Coronavirus testing site opens at Hereford Sixth Form College

The sports hall at Hereford Sixth Form College in Folly Lane has been turned into the testing centre, offering the lateral flow tests which give a result in less than an hour.

The sixth form college said staff will be offered tests twice a week after the hall was turned into an area suitable for testing.

"Over the last few weeks, Hereford Sixth Form College has transformed the Sports Hall into a Covid-19 testing centre," a spokesperson said.

"Initially, lateral flow tests are being offered to staff twice a week, ensuring our staff can continue to work safely.

"In the first week of operation, 60 tests have been carried out.

"Thank you to all staff involved in this historic moment."

Staff working in the new testing centre. Picture: Hereford Sixth Form College

There are several bays where tests can be carried out. Picture: Hereford Sixth Form College

The Department for Education (DfE) said the lateral flow devices have been provided to all schools, including primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, alternative provision, and colleges.

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"Schools and colleges are able to offer their workforce, who are on-site, access to two rapid results tests every week," the department said.

"This will help identify staff who are carrying the virus without displaying symptoms, reducing the risk of transmission.

"All schools and colleges should offer regular twice weekly testing to their staff.

"Testing is not mandatory for staff and they do not need to provide proof of a negative test result to attend school or college in person, although participation in testing is strongly encouraged."

Inside the college's transformed sports hall. Picture: Hereford Sixth Form College

Guidance from the DfE added: "Recent pilots have shown how rapid testing can be used effectively and have positive impacts in schools and colleges.

"The lateral flow tests that will be provided to schools and colleges produce a result in 30 minutes and do not require a laboratory to process. Schools and colleges have been provided with testing kits including personal protective equipment (PPE) where appropriate.

"There is also comprehensive guidance and training materials and support to introduce a testing programme that works for staff."

The Government said any who shows coronavirus symptoms should self-isolate until the result from a lab-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is known.