COVID-19 TESTING SITE COMES TO SOUTHSIDE

A Covid-19 mobile rapid testing unit has arrived in Southside, providing lateral flow tests to asymptomatic Birmingham residents.

In collaboration with the NHS and Chinese Community Centre, Southside District BID has organised this test site to be available for at least seven days from Monday 18th January in the Arcadian and Hippodrome Square area. Testing will alert asymptomatic carriers of coronavirus, enabling them to self-isolate, helping to protect loved ones and the wider community.

The multi-channel primary care solutions provider GPDQ has been commissioned by Birmingham City Council to deliver the rapid-fire tests, with results revealed within half an hour of administering.

Walk-ins will be accommodated depending on availability, so residents are encouraged to pre-book their appointment online to avoid disappointment. There will be Chinese language support on hand, and all attendees will be required to wear a face mask and bring photo ID, plus proof of address. Children can also be tested, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Southside District BID manager, Julia Robinson, says: “We are doing everything we can to keep our community safe, and we are delighted that Southside District has been chosen as the next location for these vital rapid-testing sites. A third of Covid-19 carriers are asymptomatic, and that’s why it’s so important that we have tests available for those who are not experiencing symptoms, so they know to self-isolate.

“Our local businesses have been hit particularly hard by this pandemic, and together we can help to control the virus, so that we can eventually emerge from lockdown and return to some sense of normality.”

Booking is available here: https://www.gpdq.co.uk/lateral-flow-birmingham/