Today, Friday 26 March, sees the mobilisation of Solihull Council’s first COVID-19 Community Mobile Testing Unit (CMTU), which allows residents without COVID symptoms to get a free, rapid COVID test at their convenience.
The CMTU, essentially a van and trailer, is set up in the Smith’s Wood Village Centre, Burtons Way, outside the Quids In shop until 4:30pm today and will be open 10-2pm Saturday (27 March) and Sunday (28 March).
Residents do not need to book an appointment; they can just turn up at the specified location during the operating hours. Members of staff will need to register the test and collect a contact number from residents so they can receive their results. They will also be on hand to answer questions and offer onsite advice.
Anyone using this service will be required to sanitise their hands, wear a face covering (unless exempt) and continue to maintain social distancing.
Over the coming weeks the Unit will be moving throughout the borough to other areas - a full schedule will be put on the Council website.
This service is for local people who do not have COVID symptoms and for those who also may be working in the general area.
Alongside this mobile service, residents without COVID symptoms are still able book to take a test at one of our large community testing sites through the Council website.
Additionally, the Council’s Community Collect service is now active and available at both leisure centres for households of school children and members of support and childcare bubbles to collect home test kits. You do not need an appointment to collect your tests. These can also be ordered online.
If you have COVID symptoms, generally feel unwell and/ or are self-isolating you must book a test via the online national booking system or by phoning 119 to access a test (local sites include Monkspath Mobile Testing Unit and Birmingham Airport).
Ruth Tennant, Director of Public Health said:
“The expansion of our local community testing programme continues to gather at pace. Alongside our two large community testing sites this new COVID-19 Community Mobile Testing Unit can be set up in the heart of our various local towns and centres, to make getting tested even more convenient and accessible for everyone.
“We are starting this service in Smith’s Wood, as you will have seen in my message last week there has been a recent increase in cases concentrated here and in Kingshurst and Fordbridge. There are rising number of cases in other areas too, as people seem to be out and about more, consequently we will be offering mobile testing right across the borough. Please check the Council website and social media channels for future locations of the vehicle.
“Our community testing team are looking forward to seeing the residents of Smith’s Wood over the next few days, rest assured you won’t be able to miss the team and the van! Members of staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and I would encourage everyone in the local area to take a test if they haven’t already – it’ll take less than half an hour, so quick and easy to fit in to your day.”