Last call for targeted Covid-19 tests in Oldbury/Tipton border area
Targeted Covid-19 testing in the Oldbury/Tipton border area comes to an end on Wednesday (31 March) – and anyone who hasn’t yet returned their completed test is urged to do so at one of the mobile collection points.
Extra testing has been carried out with people without symptoms in specific streets within the wider DY4 7, DY4 8 and B69 2 postcode areas. This follows a case of the variant first discovered in South Africa being identified in the area.
More than 2,000 tests have already been completed.
Door-to-door home testing has now finished but there are some residents who were not in when volunteers came to collect their tests who still need to return them.
The mobile library will be at the following locations tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday for people to drop off any unreturned tests.
People without symptoms in the specified streets can still get a test if they haven’t already taken one. They can get a test at the PureGym car park mobile testing unit in Dudley Port, 8am-3.45pm, until Wednesday (31 March). There’s no need to book for walk-in tests, but if you’re driving to the centre you must book an appointment – visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/extratesting or, if you’re not online, call Healthy Sandwell on 0800 011 4656. The website also has a full list of specific postcodes in the targeted testing area.
Sandwell’s Director of Public Health Dr Lisa McNally said: “We thank everyone who’s taken part in the targeted testing and returned their test to us – either at one of the drop-off points or when our volunteers have called to collect them. Our mobile library is out in the area to give every opportunity for people to return their tests.
“The response from the community has been fantastic.
“We are now just asking anyone in the specific area who hasn’t returned their test or taken a test yet to do so before the programme finishes on Wednesday.
“People should maintain social distancing when returning completed tests.”
Tests will be sent for special sequencing testing to identify any cases of the variant.
If you have symptoms which might suggest Covid-19, you (and everyone you live with) must self-isolate immediately. You must book a Covid-19 test via the Government website at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. Self-isolation and testing save lives. People with symptoms should not attend the testing site at PureGym.