A new covid-19 walk in testing centre has opened in Lozells on the site of former Mayfield School Annex.
This is the fifth pilot site to be launched in England and will provide pre-booked test appointments for residents by calling 119 or via the NHS website.
The site was chosen based on both the physical space required and a series of criteria set out by the Department of Health and Social Care.
People who turn up will be helped to ‘self swab’ – there are no clinical staff on site – as it aims to provide more opportunities for testing.
Anyone with symptoms of covid-19, such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, should book a test immediately.
If you test positive for the virus you must complete the entire 7-day period of self-isolation. Members of your household must also complete a 14-day isolation period, from when you first showed symptoms.
There are plans to provide translated materials on site to help people understand instructions, and to ensure the sites are culturally sensitive by having privacy booths and women-only staffed areas.
In addition to this Lozells site, facilities will be appearing in the city on a rotational schedule and the council is working closely with NHS England to identify more sites to increase access across the city.