Drop and collect coronavirus testing service introduced for Birmingham residents

Birmingham City Council has launched a new drop and collect service to provide citizens an easier opportunity to get tested for coronavirus.

Due to a recent rise in the number of cases in the city and Birmingham being placed on the national watchlist, the local authority is actively testing local households to prevent the spread of the virus.

Staff from across the Council, NHS and wider public sector have volunteered to take part in this effort to increase access to testing in our city.

The teams will be visiting households in different areas of the city to offer the test kits on the doorstep, even for those without symptoms, to support more testing.

Testing is completely free and once dropped off, a volunteer will come back and pick up the completed kit within the next hour.

According to council officials, “The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.

“You can do the swab yourself; and can also do it for children or other people in the house who are unable to do it themselves.”

As alternatives, Birmingham residents are also still encouraged to book appointments at local test sites or order kits online.

New testing sites have opened at Saltley Health & Wellbeing Centre, Brewery Street Coach Park and Osler Street, Ladywood.

Anyone who requires an immediate test should request a test online or by ringing 119.

When an appointment is booked, individuals will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely and additional support will be provided vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Councillor Paulette Hamilton, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said, “Free and accessible testing is vital to the success of the NHS Test and Trace service and the country’s overall efforts of stopping the spread of COVID-19.

“More availability to testing gives anyone the opportunity to determine if they have the virus and whether they are safe to return to work or continue doing activities they enjoy outside their home.

“People need to remember that the virus has not gone away and that we need to remain vigilant by getting tested once symptoms occur.

“I’d also urge people to keep doing the basics to keep our infection rate down – wash your hands frequently, keep two metres apart whenever possible and wear face coverings where appropriate.”

Health officials working closely with Birmingham City Council are urging members of the public to remember the symptoms of coronavirus are a new and continuous cough, a high temperature and/or a change in, or loss of, your usual sense of taste or smell.

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