Teesside University campus to host local Covid-19 testing centre

Teesside University and Middlesbrough Council have partnered to secure a new Covid-19 testing centre for central Middlesbrough, ensuring swift and easy access to testing for both local residents and University students.

Teesside University and Middlesbrough Council have partnered to secure a new Covid-19 testing centre for central Middlesbrough, ensuring swift and easy access to testing for both local residents and University students.

Hosted on the Teesside University campus, the centre is part of the UK-wide network set-up by the Department for Health and Social Care, in a drive to increase testing.

The testing centre is open to anyone with coronavirus symptoms, however mild. Tests are free and should be booked as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. The swab test takes a few minutes to complete and results are usually available the next day.

Testing at the new site will start on Friday, 16 October.

Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, Professor Paul Croney, said: 'Throughout this pandemic we have worked closely with partners in the public and private sector to do everything we can to support the fight against coronavirus.

'This has ranged from loaning vital laboratory equipment and research expertise to helping businesses navigate the challenges brought about by lockdown.

'We are pleased once more, to be of assistance with the use of our campus facilities to provide a central location for Middlesbrough residents to get tested.' South Tees Joint Director of Public Health Mark Adams said: 'The new facility in the town centre is very welcome and I’d like to thank Teesside University for working with us to make this happen.

'It’s so important that everyone who needs a Covid test can access one promptly. It’s pleasing that the location is handy for students, staff and residents living in the town.

'We now have two long-term testing sites in Middlesbrough and anyone who develops any of the Covid symptoms should continue to book a free test online or by calling 119.'

Notes on the operation of the testing centre:

• Visitors to the site must follow public health measures and practise social distancing. This includes not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout (including travelling to and from the testing centre).
• Anyone attending an appointment at the testing centre will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely.
• Testing is available for everyone, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
• Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.
• Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, advising them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

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