This week, the Hagard Community Center will become the city’s new COVID-19 community testing location.
When the Willhall site opens its doors on Tuesday (9 February), that will mean that there are now seven test centres across the area.
They’ve all been available since Christmas, allowing the city the opportunity to run more than 7,500 checks a day.
Cllr George Duggins, leader of the Coventry City Council, said: “We know that research is a crucial tool in slowing the spread of coronavirus, and we were determined to get these centres up and running as quickly as possible.
“They’re at the heart of their neighbourhoods where residents can phone in quickly and comfortably, and they’re already making a difference.
“The Hagard Center has been helping local residents for many years, and I would like to thank everyone here and our collaborators at all of our sites for their support in such a critical project for our community. It’s been a huge collaborative effort, and it’s awesome to see people working together as a city to battle this epidemic and keep everybody safe.”
Liz Gaulton, Director of Public Health, added: “It’s wonderful news for the region to have seven centres in such important locations.
“Our advice to people is, please, to use these centres – it’s a fast and simple procedure, and taking only a few minutes a week might be the difference between saving others or putting them at risk inadvertently.
“Also, please remember the Hands, Face, Space guidance and do everything you can to limit the spread – even if you have a clear test, please wear a mask in public, wash your hands and keep a social distance.”
The remaining six research centres are: the Transit Museum in the city centre; the Indian Community Center in Foleshill; the Moat House Recreation and Neighborhood Center in Wood End; the Alan Higgs Center off Allard Way; the AT7 Center off the A444; and the Xcel Center in Westwood.
Community monitoring is for someone who has no signs of coronavirus, and there is no need to book an appointment. You’re doing your own swabs, and the reports are usually back in an hour. Center opening hours are Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Anyone with any of the major signs of COVID should pursue a diagnosis in the usual manner – by dialling 119 or by accessing www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
Visit www.coventry.gov.uk/coronavirus to find out more about research, coronavirus or local limitations and help.
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