COVID-19 testing
Two types of testing are available in the borough:
- COVID-19 Local Testing Sites are available to anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, including a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in your sense of smell or taste.
- Testing for eligible groups of people without symptoms. Currently these groups include those who work with vulnerable people, people who provide unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without their help and people who cannot work from home and come into contact with others. These groups of people are being invited for regular COVID-19 testing to help to keep people safe and well across the borough.
Local testing sites
Testing sites in our borough are appointment only. To book a test, visit the national portal:
Book a test
New test appointments are released throughout the day, so - if a test is not available - try again a couple of hours later.
Site locations
This is a walk-through site located on the Little Roodee car park, in Castle Drive, CH1 1SL.
This is a walk-through site and is only accessed via the pathway that leads from Queensway, CW7 1BJ, to Wyvern House. Parking is available at the car park next to this path.
This is a walk-through site located on Sealand Road Park and Ride, Blacon, Chester, CH1 4QL.
This is a walk-through site located at the old council depot site off Leicester Street, Northwich, CW9 5LG.
This is a walk-through site located on the Wellington Road Car Park, Ellesmere Port, CH64 4AB.
Mobile testing units
Residents with symptoms can still attend the 'pop up' units, which move between Winsford and Chester. You will need to book an appointment to attend the mobile testing units.
To book an appointment, visit the NHS website or call 119.
Home testing kits
Residents can also order home testing kits, visit the GOV.UK website for more information.
Protect yourself, your family and friends by getting a Coronavirus test if you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or have lost your sense of smell or taste.
Testing for anyone without symptoms
This new programme is currently only available at:
- Stanney Oaks Leisure Centre, in Ellesmere Port, CH65 9DB
- Winsford Lifestyle Centre, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AD
We aim to expand this into other parts of the borough as the programme develops.
The testing centres are currently aimed at eligible groups. These groups include those who work with vulnerable people, people who provide unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without their help and people who cannot work from home and come into contact with others.
Unfortunately, at present, the centres cannot test people under the age of 18.
You do not need an appointment to get tested. You can arrive at a time that suits you - although if the test centre is busy you may have to queue.
The test centres are open from 9am to 7pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
On Monday, 18 January, Winsford Lifestyle Centre Asymptomatic Testing Centre will open at 10am. All other hours remain as listed above.
What is the test?
You carry out the test yourself using a swab which you will rub at the back of your throat and in one nostril. The test is not painful, although it may be slightly uncomfortable.
The swab is analysed at the test centre, and your results will be sent to you by text message or email approximately half an hour after you have done your swab. If you do not have a mobile phone or email address, you can telephone 119 to receive your results instead.
You can attend for a test every week if you would like to do so. When you come to the test centre, please wear a face covering.
What happens next?
If your asymptomatic test result is positive:
If your test result is void
If your result is void you should take another test as soon as possible.
If your test result is negative
If your result is negative, you do not need to self-isolate and you can carry on your daily activities as normal. Like everybody else, you still need to practice the preventive measures:
- Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitiser, regularly throughout the day
- Use a face covering when out and about
- Keep at least two metres apart from others.