A new coronavirus test site which can be accessed on foot has opened in Lye.

The walk-through site was chosen to make it easier for people without a car to attend and are easily accessible for those on foot or bike.

The site is on Jackson Street car park in Lye and is the second such site to open in Dudley borough this month.

The other site is on Flood Street car park (off Oakeywell Street) in Dudley.

The sites are not providing a drop-in service and all tests must be booked in advance.

People being tested must 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 while travelling to and from the testing centre.

All those attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

The sites, which complement the regional testing network, will be open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, appointments must be made in advance by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care said:

“We hope these local test sites will make it easier for people across Dudley borough to access testing. We have worked with clinical advisors and the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure the sites are safe and secure for both people visiting and local residents.

“People attending must book a test in advance by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus”

There is also a mobile testing unit at Grey 7 car park at the Waterfront.

People going to the Flood Street site for appointments are reminded there is a road closure on Constitution Hill from 26 October for two weeks. People need to allow extra time for their journey and should travel to Dudley and arrive at the testing centre via Dudley Southern Bypass (Duncan Edwards’s Way).

Testing is vital to stop the spread of coronavirus in local communities. 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, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

All people attending the centres must wear a face covering, with the exception of children under three years old, who must observe social distancing on site. Children over three will only be admitted if they are wearing a face covering. If they cannot wear a face mask for medical reasons then they should request a home test.

The testing centre is being operated in partnership with Serco and will offer self-administered tests.