A walk-through coronavirus testing facility is now open at Rutherford Car Park in Canterbury, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for communities.
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test that takes less than a minute. Tests should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin on the NHS website or by calling 119. All test most be booked in advance, with no drop-in tests available.
Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout (including when travelling to and from the testing centre). The centre is totally self-contained and externally managed, with no need for individuals being tested or test centre staff to access any University buildings. It is also monitored by 24/7 security.
Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, which is easily accessible without a car. Testing is available for everyone, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
The site opened for testing at 14.00 on Saturday 5 September. The opening hours during the mobilisation phase are as follows:
5 September 2020 – 14.00 – 17.00
6 September 2020 – 10.00 – 17.00
7 September 2020 – 08.00 – 20.00
And then 08. 00 – 20.00 thereafter
The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history, including 72 drive-through sites, 53 walk-through sites, 236 mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and five laboratories.
Anyone testing positive for the virus in England 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, advising them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book at test if they develop symptoms.
See more information on visiting a local test site