Preston’s coronavirus testing centre now has a ‘permanent’ home on the edge of the city’s university campus.

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The government now operates the testing facility just off Vernon Street, off Moor Lane.

Previously the city had two community ‘walk-in’ Covid-19 testing centres operated by Preston City Council at Preston’s Market Hall and Moor Park.

But Lancashire Resilience Forum announced last week the decision had been taken for central government to take over testing facilities in the city and both Moor Park and Preston Markets were wound down.

Preston City Council leader councillor Matthew Brown criticised the decision to decommission the city’s community testing centres and to stop allowing ‘walk-in’ testing.

Instead the university’s small facility at the Vernon Street car park was increased in size and capacity to become the city’s main Covid-19 testing centre.

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The Vernon car park testing centre is not available to walk-in patients, you have to book an appointment.

Appointments for a test have to be booked by calling NHS 119 or using the NHS Covid app.

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The drive-through coronavirus testing centre, at Walton-le-Dale park and ride at the Capitol Centre, remains operational and is also appointment only.

Details on how to book a coronavirus test can be found on the government website.

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What do you think of the decision to move to having the one ‘permanent’ Covid-19 testing site in Preston? Have you been for a coronavirus test? Let us know in the comments below