York walk-in coronavirus test centre is open to all – not just students

A new walk-in coronavirus test centre which opened at the University of York this week is open to all residents – not just students.

The test centre, run by private company Serco, opened on Thursday at Wentworth Way Car Park.

Tests are for people with symptoms and must be booked online or by phoning 119.

City of York Council says the site is designed to be accessible for pedestrians.

People with symptoms should not travel there by taxi or public transport and a face covering must be worn throughout, including while travelling to and from the test centre.

York’s public health director Sharon Stoltz said she continues to lobby government for another walk in test centre in the city centre.

Keith Aspden, council leader and chair of the outbreak management board, said: “The site will run in addition to the drive through facility at Poppleton Bar and will provide everyone in the city with easy access to testing without the need of a car.

“It has been positioned in a place where many of our communities can access by walking or cycling.”