Drive-through virus testing centre to open at Humber Bridge car park

A drive-through virus testing facility is to open at the Humber Bridge car park in Hull, it has been confirmed, with appointments to be allocated to critical key workers.

The swab tests are aimed at finding out who among critical key workers, NHS, social care and emergency services staff, has the virus and it will run as a pilot in its first few days.

“The Government is rapidly scaling up the national effort to boost testing capacity for coronavirus to protect the vulnerable, support our NHS, and ultimately save lives," said Health Minister Lord Bethell.

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“This new service will help end the uncertainty of whether NHS and social care staff and other key workers need to stay at home, meaning those who test negative will be able to return to work.

The Humber estuary, which the Humber Bridge crosses.
Picture Jonathan GawthorpeThe Humber estuary, which the Humber Bridge crosses.
Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe
The Humber estuary, which the Humber Bridge crosses. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe

“This is a national effort and we are proud to be working with a number of partners to turn this ambition into a reality and roll out additional capacity to where it is needed.”

The testing centre will offer assisted and self-administered tests, and the Department of Health and Social Care has said results will be available 'within a few days'.

The Government says it is also urgently working on setting up a home-testing service for critical key workers, supported by Amazon.

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There are now 27 regional test sites, including in Doncaster and Leeds, with more satellite sites being set up in Huddersfield, Bradford and Wakefield.

Professor Stephen Eames, independent chairman for the Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership, said this was an important part of the strategy to ensure the care needs of people in the region is met.

"It is a testament to the commitment and cooperation of all partner organisations across the Humber that we have been able to get the site up and running in a short space of time.”