Chester Cathedral will become an Asymptomatic Testing Centre for Covid-19 early April 2021.
What is happening to Chester Cathedral?
The south transept of the Cathedral will become a location for a Covid-19 Asymptomatic Testing Centre. Testing undertaken at the centre will be for eligible groups who do not have symptoms of Covid-19. This additional testing centre for people without symptoms, will further increase accessibility of asymptomatic testing for Cheshire West and Chester residents.
Who will use the testing centre?
The testing centre will be for people without Covid-19 symptoms who need weekly or twice weekly testing. This includes people who cannot work from home and come into contact with others, those who work with vulnerable people and people who provide unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without their help.
Is there a risk to Cathedral staff and volunteers?
As those attending the centre to be tested will not have Covid-19 symptoms, the risk is no greater than the general public visiting the Cathedral or indeed visiting a supermarket.
The testing centre will operate as per national clinical guidance.
How will the centre be run and by whom?
All testing centres must meet all relevant legislative, certification and validation inspections and requirements including health and safety. They must be:
All required Infection Prevention Control measures will be implemented.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g. face coverings) will be worn at all times; removed only by the individual self-administering the test when in a dedicated testing booth.
Consultation with the local Infection Prevention Control Team has not identified any specific preliminary concerns regarding the use of Chester Cathedral as an Asymptomatic Testing Site.
Chester Cathedral will not operate the Testing Centre.
How many types of Covid-19 testing centre are there?
There are two types of Covid-19 testing available in Cheshire West and Chester: