On Friday (5 March), High Peak MP Robert Largan confirmed that a new Community Testing Centre will be opening at the Adult Education Centre in New Mills next week. The news was announced after a visit to the Community Testing Centre at Pavilion Gardens in Buxton.

The High Peak MP was tested during the visit and is encouraging High Peak residents to get a test, helping to keep the virus under control. People do not need to be showing any symptoms or book an appointment in order to visit.

The New Mills centre will be open from Weds 10 March, from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with later openings to 7pm on Mondays. It will also be open on Saturdays from 9am to midday. But people are should only visit a centre if it is in their local area. Staff and volunteers at the centres will be able to take down people’s details and provide the help they need.

Figures show that 9 in 10 local authorities across England have now signed up to the community testing programme and are providing rapid tests, breaking chains of transmission and helping slow the spread of the virus.

Over 2.2 million rapid-turnaround tests have been carried out by councils already, which has identified 44,000 cases.

Robert Largan MP commented:

“Community testing is all about breaking the chain of transmission. Some people are asymptomatic, meaning they are infectious but do not show any symptoms. They could spread the virus to family, friends, and work colleagues, putting lives at risk.

“We need to be able to identify these people and ask them to self-isolate and get them the support they need. This will help to drive down transmission. It is really welcome news that New Mills will be joining Buxton next week in getting a centre.

“I want to thank all of the brilliant staff and volunteers who are helping to tackle the virus and get us back to normal. We can all do our bit by getting tested, helping to save lives. Together, we will get through this.”