New coronavirus (COVID-19) test centre for Bolton’s essential workers and their families

Tests are available by appointment only at the drive-through centre.

The facility is a satellite of the national NHS testing programme and has been set up by Bolton Council, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group.

Frontline staff, who are showing symptoms of coronavirus, can organise an appointment through their employer or self-refer with results available in just a few days. 

You can apply for a test if you are:

• An essential worker with coronavirus symptoms
• Aged 65 or over with coronavirus symptoms
• Someone who cannot work from home and has coronavirus symptoms (for example, construction workers or delivery drivers)
• Anyone with coronavirus symptoms can apply if they live with an essential worker, a person aged 65 or over, or someone who travels to work.
• You can also apply for a test if you have a clinical referral from NHS 111 online.

You need to get the test done in the first three days of having coronavirus symptoms which are a high temperature or a new, continuous cough.

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms should be self-isolating according to government guidelines until they have a test result.

Use the website book an appointment.

Essential workers, who are self-isolating, can also book a home test or a test at the regional testing centre at Manchester Airport or Haydock Racecourse by applying online.

Anyone testing positive should continue to follow the NHS guidelines about self-isolation and focus on their recovery.

Cllr Susan Baines, Executive Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “We’ve been working behind the scenes with our partners in the health service to set up a centre where our amazing frontline workers can access coronavirus (COVID-19) testing.

“Not only will this give workers and their families peace of mind, but it will allow those who test negative for the virus to get back to work more quickly to support the community at this difficult time.”