A COVID-19 testing initiative has begun this week at Mansfield Town Football Club’s One Call Stadium.
The club’s 1861 Suite, located inside the Ian Greaves Stand, has turned into a walk-in centre for members of the public who aren’t showing symptoms. Anyone showing symptoms must not use this facility.
In partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, the initiative is designed to drive down transmission rates using rapid turnaround tests supplied by NHS Test and Trace.
Around one in three people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, so could be spreading the disease without knowing it.
Broadening testing to identify those who are infectious and asymptomatic will mean finding positive cases more quickly, therefore breaking the chains of transmission more often.
The Stags, with their support of this community regime, will look to assist in this breakdown of transmission across the local area.
Testing will be available for asymptomatic individuals aged 18-65 years who live and work in these wards. No appointments are needed.
The opening hours at One Call Stadium are: From 28 January - Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 7pm and Sundays from 10am to 2pm.
There is free parking on site. Please avoid using public transport in case you later test positive.
All efforts to find people without symptoms work in conjunction with the existing free testing service for those with symptoms.
Anyone with one or more of these symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – should book a test online at the NHS website or by calling 119.
There is a Local Testing Site (LTS) for people who have symptoms of COVID-19, which is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm at: Mansfield Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South, NG19 7BH. You must book an appointment before attending this site for a test.
Executive mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams said: “The council is keen to do everything it can to facilitate efforts to drive down infection rates. By working with our partners to bring community testing to Mansfield we can help our residents to protect themselves and their loved ones and lower the rate of infection.
“Community testing doesn’t work on its own so it’s vital that we all keep following the national lockdown restrictions in addition to the ‘Hands, Face, Space’ guidance.
“I would urge everyone who has the opportunity to get a rapid test to take it and keep showing the amazing community spirit we have seen in Mansfield throughout the pandemic.”
The club’s stadium director Paul Broughton said: “We’re proud to be able support Mansfield District Council and the people of our area as part of a collective effort to break the chain of transmission of COVID-19. .
“Members of the public should be aware that this facility is only available for those who are not showing any symptoms
“The 1861 Suite can be accessed by entering the brown double doors at the rear of the Ian Greaves Stand and towards the first floor, where a member of staff will then be able to assist you.
“Masks must be worn upon entry to this part of the stadium whilst also ensuring that necessary social distancing measures are adhered to at all times.”
Mr Broughton added: “As the Town’s professional football club, we’re determined to play our part during this pandemic by supporting the local authorities, the NHS and our community.”
