Island's new Covid-19 testing facility and how you can use it

To help people access the cricket ground, the speed limit for part of Blackwater Road has been reduced from 40mph to 30mph.

Parking has been arranged to segregate those attending for testing from those using the club house and cricket grounds.

Since lockdown both 1Leisure Medina and Medina College have been close, enabling the car park to be used as the testing site.

From September both of these sites will be fully open and therefore will no longer be able to host the testing facility.

The Covid-19 test centre has moved from Medina High School to Newclose Cricket Club

Dr Michele Legg, GP and clinical lead for NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “As lockdown eases we are seeing more facilities reopen and a return to some sort of normality.

“This is why we are relocating the testing facility — ensuring it remains on the Island — so residents can have easy access to a test should they require it.

“It’s vital to have the test within the first five days of showing symptoms as this will make the test more effective."

Read more: My coronavirus test experience - by County Press reporter

Since the Island has had its own testing facility, more than 3,400 people have had a swab to see if they have the virus.

The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.

You can do the swab yourself (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you. Parents or guardians have to swab test children aged five to 11.

The cricket ground testing site will be open from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 2.30pm.

People are advised to book a test by either calling 119 or clicking HERE.

What symptoms should I have to book a test?

If you, or anyone you live with, show any one of these symptoms then you should self-isolate and book a test straight away:

• A high temperature
• A new, continuous cough
• Loss of taste or smell