The MP for Copeland is urging residents in Copeland to utilise the area’s Covid testing facilities following a Government announcement to widen capacity to include symptomatic people over the age of 65 and those required to travel for work.
Trudy Harrison MP, welcomed the announcement with those eligible now being encouraged to apply for a test via the Government website which will then be carried out at one of the national scheme testing facilities in Penrith, Kendal, Preston and Gateshead.
Testing is also available for all eligible essential workers at those sites in Penrith, Kendal, Preston and Gateshead. Eligible health and social care staff can also access locally-run testing centres in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Lancaster and Whitehaven through their employers.
A list of all essential workers can be found here.
Mrs Harrison, said: “Today, the Government has widened further testing capacity for those displaying symptoms to now include over 65s and those who are required to travel for work purposes, as well as members of their households.
“This is a significant step in helping to provide the country’s workforce with a clearer, easier, and faster route to testing, giving reassurance for themselves, their families and their work colleagues.”
People hoping to be tested must go through the process to secure an appointment. Those who turn up at any of Cumbria’s testing facilities without an appointment will not be tested.
Full details of how to access all testing available to people across the whole of Cumbria can be found here.
Additionally, employers can book tests for multiple employees at the Penrith, Kendal, Preston and Gateshead sites via the Government’s online portal.
While people can make their own bookings for Penrith, Kendal, Preston and Gateshead facilities via the national website to access the Barrow, Carlisle, Lancaster and Whitehaven sites health and social care staff must be referred for testing by their employer. NHS Trust staff should continue to access testing provided by their organisation.
Tests should be carried out on days 1-5 of becoming symptomatic.
The different sites are located at:
- Kendal – Westmorland General Hospital
- Penrith – Penrith Rugby Club
- Barrow - Furness General Hospital (health and social care only, employer referral required)
- Carlisle - Carleton Clinic (health and social care only, employer referral required)
- Whitehaven - Copeland Red Hub at Flatt Walk (health and social care only, employer referral required)
