The coronavirus test site at Himley Hall and Park is to remain open for the next two-and-a-half weeks.

The drive-through site will operate seven days a week until December 20, when it will be reviewed again. All tests must be booked in advance.

The site is one of four testing sites in the borough. The others, which are walk-through test centres, are on Flood Street car park (off Oakeywell Street) in Dudley and on Jackson Street car park in Lye. There is also a drive through mobile test site at Engine Lane, Brierley Hill.

Anyone arriving for a Covid-19 test at Himley must not use the main entrance and should instead use the West Gate entrance, closest to the Himley lights.

Following their test, they must leave the park immediately and ensure car windows are up fully when exiting.

People visiting the park for leisure are asked to enter via the main entrance as usual.

Visitors are advised there will be very limited parking available and some areas of the park will be restricted to the public. Once the park has reached capacity it will close.

The drive area, which is often used for children to ride their bikes, remains closed and as always social distancing must be maintained, following all government advice. The Terrace Hatch will open as normal for take-aways. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care said:

“This test site remaining at Himley Hall and Park will make it easier for residents to access testing in our borough. It will operate until December 20, when it will be reviewed again.

“There will continue to be reduced car parking at Himley, while the test site is operational, and some areas will be inaccessible to leisure visitors, but it’s vital we all do what we can to stop the spread of the virus and key to this is people getting tested if they have any of the symptoms.

“If you have coronavirus symptoms contact the NHS Test and Trace service as soon as possible to book an appointment by calling 119.”

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, except for 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.

To book a test at one of our four testing sites in the borough visit nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.

For more information on Dudley borough test sites visit dudley.gov.uk/coronavirustesting.

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