Pendle News Room

That’s the message from Pendle Council’s Leader, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, as a mobile testing unit run by the army returns to Pendle as a number of people in Pendle tested positive last week.

“Free testing at the unit is now open to people of any age who have symptoms.

“That includes children aged five and under and babies,” he explained.

Tests at the unit will be carried out every day for seven days from 10.30am – 3.30pm, starting on Monday 13th July and running until Sunday 19th July.

The mobile unit will be at the former fairground site on Carr Road, on the border of Nelson and Barrowford and people can come on foot or by car.

“If you need a test, please do not just turn up - you must book an appointment,” said Councillor Iqbal.

Appointments go live around 8.30pm the night before and can be booked via the Government's coronavirus testing webpage - www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

They can also be booked in the morning for a test on the same day.

The tests at the mobile unit are all self-administered, but if people prefer to have an assisted test, they are available at permanent testing sites in Preston and Blackburn.

There is also the option of ordering a home-testing kit.

If you or a member of your household has symptoms, you should self-isolate for 7 days from the point your symptoms started.

If you live with someone with symptoms, you must self-isolate for 14 days from the day their symptoms started, as it can take 14 days for symptoms to appear.

People can contact NHS 111 on-line for healthcare advice.

Councillor Iqbal added:

“The advice to residents, businesses and the wider community is to continue to follow social distancing guidelines and wash hands regularly to help prevent the spread of the virus.”

More guidance on staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19 is available via Pendle Council’s website www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus