A COVID-19 testing site in Chester city centre will permanently shut later this month having played a key role in the fight against the virus – particularly when cases of the Delta variant were on the rise.

Since opening its doors at Chester Cathedral on April 6 this year, the no-symptoms testing base has carried out 3,214 tests and handed over 4,665 test kits for people to use at home.

During the surge testing in Chester back in June, the site was also able to offer PCR tests to help detect cases of the Delta variant in the area.

The testing base at the cathedral will close for good on August 27.

Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Louise Gittins said: "We are so grateful to the Cathedral for allowing us the space in their beautiful building for five months, right at the heart of the city centre.

“This centre has played a very important part in making testing accessible to all, which was particularly important during the recent surge testing.

“I also want to explain that the closure of this site does not mean that Covid-19 has gone away, far from it.

“Rates are still high across the borough and we need to be cautious, take up the vaccine and continue to test twice a week, vaccinated or not, with tests remaining available across the borough.”

The Dean of Chester, the Very Revd Dr Tim Stratford, added: "Sitting at the heart of the city, the Cathedral has been delighted to provide this community benefit in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council.

"Hosting the testing centre was as much a part of our core mission as everything else we do, and it’s wonderful to see the benefits it has brought to date.”

Home test kits are available at participating pharmacies across the borough, including in Chester city centre. To find your nearest pharmacy visit: maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk.

They can also be ordered online for home delivery by visiting: www.gov.uk and searching for ‘lateral flow tests’.

  • A testing centre remains open at Stanney Oaks Leisure Centre in Ellesmere Port where you can take a self-swab test or pick up home test kits. Home testing kits can also be collected at libraries in the borough.