Coronavirus test centre to open in Clitheroe

The centre – the first permanent site in the Ribble Valley – opens on Monday and will be located in the Edisford Road car park.

It will be open from 8am to 8pm every day and is scheduled to be operational until July 2021.

Testing is only available if a person has coronavirus symptoms, which includes a high temperature, new continuous cough, or a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Tests must be booked online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

Visitors are asked to wash their hands before attending the centre and wear a face covering on their journey there and back.

Anybody who tests positive will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help track their contacts, who will then be asked to stay at home for 14 days to prevent the spread of the virus.

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Stephen Atkinson said: “A test centre in Ribble Valley is much needed, particularly by our elderly and isolated residents, who might struggle to travel to Preston or Blackburn.

“We have had a number of mobile testing units in Clitheroe, but a more permanent structure for the coming months is welcome.

“Anyone who displays symptoms of coronavirus should not hesitate to book a test. Please make use of the centre and help to keep our borough safe.”

Ribble Valley Borough Council has published a set of FAQs on the centre at ribblevalley.gov.uk.

The Ribble Valley Community Hub is available if anyone needs help, businesses advice or the latest pandemic information.

The hub is on hand Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on 01200 414597, to help locked down households facing difficulties, worries or loneliness.