Free Covid tests are being made available in Burnley town centre for people with no symptoms

Tests will be available from Mondayfrom the car park opposite Burnley bus station. Photo: Getty

The testing site is in the car park opposite Burnley bus station, Centenary Way, between Gala Bingo and Tesco.

Tests will be available from Monday between 10am and 3pm, seven days a week.

There is no need to book and there is no charge.

Coun. Cosima Towneley, Executive member for community and environmental services at Burnley Council, said: "This is a convenient location for everyone.

"We need more people to get tested, even if they don't have symptoms. Anyone over the age of 18 can get tested at the site."

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health for Lancashire, said: "By testing people who are not showing symptoms, we can understand more about the scale of the spread in Burnley.

"The more we know about the scale, the quicker we can advise people to self-isolate and act to prevent further spread. More testing will also help the government to decide when the time is right to ease lockdown restrictions.

"I encourage as many people as possible to ‘do it for Burnley’ and get a test at the site.”

Coun. Towneley, who is a trained volunteer in carrying out the swab tests, added: “I know some people might feel uncomfortable, but it is painless and only takes about 20 seconds.

"It is worth it for the peace of mind a negative test can bring and to ensure swift self-isolation should you test positive.”

The testing site at Centenary Way is for people who have no symptoms.

Tests at similar sites are currently taking up to 72 hours for the results to be received.

Testing can also be accessed through https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

People who have symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, must self-isolate for at least 10 days from when the symptoms started. They should arrange to have a test to see if they have Covid-19.

Those not experiencing symptoms but who have tested positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate for at least 10 days.

After 10 days, those who still have a temperature, should continue to self-isolate and seek medical advice.

To get help with essential supplies if you are self-isolating and do not have support from friends and family, contact the Burnley Together hub on 01282 686402 or [email protected]