A new testing site has opened in North Tyneside where people without symptoms can check if they have Covid.
It was set up at the Whitley Bay Islamic Cultural Center with the aim of encouraging regular testing for people from all communities.
The tests aim to quickly identify anyone with coronavirus who may not be showing symptoms but could unknowingly pass it on to others. The results are processed within an hour.
Misbah Hanan, community manager at the center, said: “So far people are responding well to having access to the tests in a place where they feel comfortable and we want to continue to spread positive messages about Covid-19. after Ramadan.
“Getting tested regularly is so important to stop the spread of the virus, and therefore to protect our friends, families and communities.
“The center is open to everyone, so I encourage everyone to get tested.”
Imam Syed Al Amin added: “One in three people have no symptoms of Covid-19 and do not know they are spreading the virus.
Sign up for our free newsletter to receive our top stories twice a day, plus breaking news, coronavirus news and the latest football stories from Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC.
It only takes a few seconds to register – just click on this link, enter your email address and follow the instructions.
If you change your mind, you can unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of each newsletter we send out.
Find us on the UK newspaper archives here.
“It is important that members of our community, especially those on the front lines, including those who work in restaurants and as taxi drivers, get tested.
“You will receive your test results within an hour and if you have the virus you can get support from your local council.”
The center received guidance and training from the North Tyneside Council and the Volunteer Organization Development Agency (VODA) to set up the test site.
Wendy Burke, Director of Public Health for North Tyneside, said: “One in three people with coronavirus have no symptoms, so this test has a role to play in breaking the chain of transmission and preventing epidemics in the borough. .
(Image: North Tyneside Council)
“We encourage everyone in North Tyneside to make it a habit to test twice a week as part of our daily lives.
“It helps us all play our part and do what we can to protect each other and, alongside the vaccine, allows us to continue to break out of containment.
“It was great to see the test site in action at the Islamic Cultural Center and to hear how well it is going.
“I would like to thank them for their unwavering support during the pandemic, which also included sharing information with their community and their brilliant work in promoting vaccine uptake and organizing a pop-up vaccination clinic. .
The center is on Rink Way, Whitley Bay, and testing will be available Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This test is for those who do not have symptoms. Anyone with symptoms, including a new continuous cough, change or loss of smell or taste and / or temperature, should self-isolate immediately and book a test via www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call the 119.
On Wednesday, it was announced that at least eight Covid infections had been linked to an outbreak at a Tynemouth bar – including the first known case involving the Indian variant in North Tyneside.
Allard’s Lounge Tynemouth has temporarily closed due to the outbreak, with customers being urged to get tested. One of those infected carried the rapidly spreading Indian variant. The place was to reopen on Friday.