COVID-19 Testing in Cheshire – What you need to know

Information about testing for Coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing all the time. We’ve created this quick reference guide for people who are living and working in Cheshire.

This information will be regularly updated on our website.

Who can get tested?

The current priority is testing people with symptoms to see if they have the virus, both to inform clinical diagnosis and help people get back to work.

Most recently in England the Government has expanded testing for Coronavirus (COVID-19) to include:

• All essential workers including NHS and social care workers with symptoms (see the full list of essential workers here)
• Anyone over 65 with symptoms
• Anyone with symptoms whose work cannot be done from home
• anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus and lives with any of those identified above

The Government is also testing;

• Social care workers and residents in care homes (with or without symptoms)
• NHS workers and patients without symptoms, in line with NHS England guidance

How to get tested in Cheshire

Testing is currently by appointment only and the correct booking procedures must be followed in order to avoid being turned away.

Self-referral to local testing centres

There are currently two local testing centres in Cheshire at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Leighton Hospital in Crewe.

These testing centres can be accessed by the people outlined above including under-18s.

To arrange a test at these sites contact cheshireccg.covid19@nhs.net

Regional testing centres and home testing

In the Northwest there are regional testing centres at Manchester Airport, Haydock Racecourse and Preston College.

You can apply for a test directly at one of these sites if you are in one of the groups above. You can select a regional test site drive-through appointment or home test kit. These testing options are available to over 18s only.

Click here to apply for a test.

Mobile Testing Units

In addition to the local and regional testing options outlined above, mobile testing units, operated by the Armed Forces, are currently travelling to sites around the UK to increase access to coronavirus testing.

These mobile testing units are temporary and travel to test frontline workers and the most vulnerable at sites including care homes, police stations and prisons.

More information about mobile testing units can be found here.

A mobile testing unit was recently set up at short notice in Macclesfield, operating for three days to 30^th April.

When mobile testing units are set up they are by appointment only with people booking a test at the time they are operational referred by their employer.

Updated 30^th April 2020