THREE new coronavirus walk-in testing centres have opened in Bury.

The centres are open to people aged three and over who are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 ­— such as a high temperature, new continuous cough, or loss or change to sense of smell or taste.

All of the testing locations are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm.

They are located at:

• The Mosses Centre, Cecil Street, Bury BL9 0SB

• Chesham Fold, 95 Chesham Fold Road, Bury BL9 6JZ

• Whitefield Library, Pinfold Lane, Whitefield M45 7NH

A fourth testing centre will open at the Metro Christian Centre in Parkhills Road from September 14.

And several more will be opened across the borough in the coming weeks.

The test involves a throat and nose swab which is sent to a laboratory to look for signs of the virus.

Results are usually available within 72 hours, NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group said.

Cllr Andrea Simpson, Bury Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “If you think you may have coronavirus, it’s really important to get tested as soon as you can no matter how mild your symptoms are.

“Our walk-through testing centres, with more sites due to open shortly, are located in the heart of our communities and will make it much easier for people to get tested without an appointment, which will be particularly helpful for people without transport.

"Walk-through testing centres will be available for a number of months ensuring accessible testing is continually available for local people."

Health bosses advise that if someone in a household has symptoms, then that person must get tested within the first five days of experiencing symptoms.

The rest of the household should self-isolate with them whilst they wait for the results.

People not experiencing symptoms, however, should not request a test and will not be tested at the new walk-in sites.

No appointments are needed for the walk-in testing centres, but there may be a wait at busy times.

If demand is very high people may be asked to return at a later time.

Visitors to the walk-in centres should plan the quickest and easiest route to get there, stay a safe distance from other people, and wear a face covering.

On arrival people will be advised to wear a face covering, except when they take the test, and keep at least two metres away from other people.

Hand sanitiser will be available on entry the and instructions will be provided on what to do to keep everyone safe.

Cllr Simpson continued: "We are by no means out of the woods, but we are confident that through everyone’s sustained efforts, following the latest guidance and getting tested quickly when symptomatic, we can drive down the number of cases in Bury and start to get back to a more normal way of life.”

Lesley Jones, Bury’s Director of Public Health added:

“Testing is important in both diagnosing people, to understand how far the virus has spread locally and to help prevent further spread.

“It is essential that people get tested if they have symptoms however mild, take part in the track and trace system, and self-isolate if contacted.

“Like the common cold or the flu, coronavirus is spread through close contact with an infected person, that’s why it’s essential to maintain social distancing, exercise good hand hygiene and wear face coverings in enclosed public places, everyone has a part to play.”

For more information visit www.bury.gov.uk/coronavirus-testing or call 0161 253 5515, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).