Blackburn testing site is regional coronavirus facility

A drive-through coronavirus testing facility in Blackburn is now part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history.

The site, on a Blackburn with Darwen Council-owned car park next to the Royal Blackburn Hospital, was being used a test centre for staff but is now open to the public as an official regional site as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to increase testing.

Testing at the Old Bank Lane site is available for anyone with coronavirus symptoms, including vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

The free swab tests take less than a minute and should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

The site is part of a massive network of diagnostic testing facilities, including 70 drive-through sites, 8 walk-through sites, 116 mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and three mega laboratories.

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 at test if they develop symptoms.

Councillor Mohammed Khan OBE, the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

This Council owned car park has already been successfully used at a testing site. We are pleased that it’s now a regional site and that it will help people play a part in helping to reduce the risk of transmission in our communities.