A DRIVE-through coronavirus testing site has opened for people in Bury.

The facility is open to anyone aged five and over with Covid-19 symptoms.

However, health bosses have decided not to publicly disclose the test site's location to avoid people turning up without an appointment.

The symptoms of coronavirus include:

  • A high temperature ­— this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back.
  • A new, continuous cough ­— if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than normal.
  • A loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste.

The test involves taking a quick throat and nose swab.

This is then sent to a laboratory to look for signs of the virus.

Lesley Jones, Bury’s Director of Public Health said: “Testing is now available to anybody aged five or over that are experiencing symptoms.

"This will be reassuring for many families, and gives those wanting to get back to work important information as to whether they need to continue to self-isolate, or reassurance about when they are safe to go back to work."

Bury Times:

Testing for the virus is most effective within the first five days of symptoms developing, and ideally the first three, NHS bosses have said.

This is important not only to diagnose people, but also to understand how far the virus has spread, and to help prevent further spread; Mrs Jones said.

She added: “Requesting a test is easy via our online booking system, testing is most effective in the first five days and so it’s important to request a test as soon as you can after you or your child first experience symptoms.”

To request a test visit www.bury.gov.uk/coronavirus-testing.

Eligibility will be assessed by asking people to provide some brief information.

Alternatively people can register for testing at the regional site www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Anyone that can’t reach a testing site by a personal vehicle, can order a self-test kit via the national portal.