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Rapid COVID testing now available for anyone in Manchester who cannot work from home
Rapid COVID-19 testing is available anyone in Manchester who can’t work from home and whose employers or organisations don’t have an asymptomatic testing system in place.
![](https://themanc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/s960_coronavirus_lateral_flow_antigen_rapid_test.jpg)
![](https://themanc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/s960_coronavirus_lateral_flow_antigen_rapid_test.jpg)
Rapid COVID-19 testing is now available for anyone in Manchester who cannot work from home – regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.
Manchester City Council has confirmed that people who live or work in the city – and do not have access to testing in their workplace – can book a COVID-19 test at one of six local sites.
Testing involves lateral flow devices which take a swab of the nose and throat – providing results in as little as 30 minutes.
All tests need to be booked in advance at one of the following locations:
- Moss Side Leisure Centre
- Debdale Outdoor Centre
- FC United of Manchester
- Hall Lane Resource Centre
- Heathfield Resource Centre
- Rates Hall in Manchester Town Hall
Slots will be available on weekdays and Saturdays at various times.
Anyone who records a positive test result must self-isolate immediately – with the data logged by NHS Test and Trace.
The local rapid testing scheme is open to smaller businesses, freelancers and sole traders across Manchester. Larger firms (with at least 50 employees) are being encouraged to sign up for the national Government scheme by March 31, which enables companies to perform their own testing.
Councillor Bev Craig, Executive Member for Adult Health and Wellbeing at Manchester City Council, said: “We are committed to making our city as safe as possible and that includes every measure to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“We estimate that around 1 in 3 people can have the virus without knowing it, which makes it imperative that we are vigilant in helping to protect those who cannot work from home, and also the people they work with.”
Tests need to booked in advance by ringing 0161 947 0770 or 0800 092 4020. The booking number is open Monday-Friday.
More information is available on the Manchester City Council website.