Forge Island Covid-19 test site on the move

Despite work on Forge Island's flood defences starting in 2019, the virus testing tent was dismantled last month due to flood warnings — raising questions about the effectiveness of the defences in the area.

The testing site will now move to Herringthorpe Stadium within the next couple of weeks, Rotherham Council and site operators Deloitte have  announced

Ben Anderson, director of public health for Rotherham, said the Forge Island test site had been an essential part of reducing the risk of Covid-19 since it opened in August — testing more than 13,000 residents.

He added: “With developments on Forge Island looking to press ahead over the upcoming months, this was the ideal opportunity to find a new home for this test site.

“Herringthorpe Stadium, located just outside of the town centre, has been chosen as it is in the heart of the community and offers residents who may need to travel from other areas of the borough, good transport links and car parking spaces.”

Mr Anderson said the council was working with the Department of Health and Social Care and Deloitte to ensure that people who live near the test site will not be impacted by the move.

“I would like to thank everyone in advance of their understanding and apologise for any disruption caused,” he added. 

The site will be run on a six-month license and will be reviewed half-way through.

Herringthorpe Stadium's running track will still be accessible to the public. Further details about other sports and activities will be released when restrictions are eased.

Those who have symptoms of Covid-19, no matter how mild, are encouraged to book a test at their local test site or arrange for a home test kit either online via www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.