Local testing for Covid-19 in Beeston Hill

Since 13 November a local mobile Covid-19 testing unit has been set up at the Rowland Road Working Men’s Club, Rowland Road on Beeston Hill.

The local Councillors recognised how important it was to have a testing site in the community for those residents who would otherwise struggle to reach other sites. Working with our partners to locate a site, Rowland Road Working Men’s Club was identified. Thanks to their generosity, a mobile testing unit is placed at the club two days a week- making it easier for local residents to get a test.

To date 1,145 tests have been carried out at the site.

It is important anyone who has symptoms get a free NHS test to check

• You have a high temperature
• You have a new, continuous cough
• You have lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed

You can also get a test for someone you live with if they have symptoms.

If you have coronavirus symptoms, you should get tested. All testing sites operate on an appointment only basis – please do not attend without an appointment. Appointments can be booked via the NHS online booking system or by calling 119.

When booking, you will be shown a list of the nearest places to go for your test. It is important to be tested no more than five days from when your symptoms started.

Those being tested are asked to wash their hands before leaving home, wear a face covering on their journey to and from the centre and to not stop anywhere on the way.

Anyone testing positive for the virus 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, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms. However, they should not book a test if they don’t have symptoms.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal commented:

“This virus has caused terrible suffering for many in Hunslet and Riverside Ward. Far too many have suffered losing loved ones. It is therefore reassuring to hear how many are taking these vital tests locally  and playing their part to stop the spread of the virus”