More coronavirus tests are available in Hartlepool next week - here's how to book

Following a steady rise in the number of confirmed Covid-19 infections across Hartlepool – described by Hartlepool Borough Council as “extremely worrying” – the authority has lobbied the Government to secure more tests.

They will now take place at the existing Hartlepool Waterfront mobile testing site from Monday, September 14, through to Friday, September 18, rather than just on Monday and Tuesday, as was previously the case.

Tests will also be available on Sunday, September 20, although all dates must be booked in advance and people turning up without an appointment will not be seen.

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool Borough Council’s acting director of public health, said: “We are very pleased we’ve been able to get substantially more local testing from the Government.

“It’s vital that if you have one or more of the coronavirus symptoms, don’t delay, book a test right away.

“Only by doing so – and by us all following the rules on social distancing, handwashing and using face masks – can we halt the resurgence of the virus and avoid the prospect of another lockdown.”

The council has also stressed that tests must only be taken by people showing one of the following symptoms:

A high temperature; A new and continuous cough; A loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste.

A council statement said: “You should only get a test if you have one or more of these symptoms, otherwise you could be taking a test away from someone who really needs it.

"You must also not book tests in advance on the off chance that you might need them in future.”

A council meeting earlier this week heard that the town needed to do everything it could to avoid the Government imposing a local lockdown.

With 70 new infections confirmed in the last fortnight, Mr Blundred has also urged care homes across town to suspend visits to protect their vulnerable residents.

Tests can be booked by going online at www.gov.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. Do not use 111.

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