Temporary Covid-19 test centre to open in district

The site will be managed by Department of Health and Social Care and its contractors and is set to remain in place for a number of months at the Harborough Leisure Centre car park off Northampton Road.

The walk-through test centre (not drive-through) will operate from 8am-8pm, seven days a week, and offer vital testing capacity locally. 

As tests are offered by appointment only, the number of people on the site at any one time is always limited.

The test centre is expected to be up and running from Tuesday 10 November 2020.

The centre is being opened as part of the government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.

During the national lockdown, leisure centres in the Harborough district will be closed to the public.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council said: “Having a testing centre locally is of huge benefit to the district, as people don’t have to travel large distances to get a test if they show symptoms. This will encourage more local people to get tested if they show symptoms, helping us to track the virus and keep cases down in Harborough district.”

Matthew Hopkin, Contract Manager for Everyone Active which runs the leisure centres, said: “We are always keen to support our local communities in any way we can, even while our facilities are closed. While we are disappointed not to remain open, it’s comforting to know we’re still able to play our part during the pandemic. We are pleased to be working in partnership with Harborough District Council to provide this walk-through test centre which will prove of huge benefit to the public.”

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus – including high temperature, cough, loss or change in normal sense of smell or taste (anosmia) – should visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 to book a test.