As of Friday 9 April all Tameside residents are able to access free, regular, rapid coronavirus testing as part of the easing of COVID restrictions.

Alongside the rollout of the vaccine, regular testing of those without symptoms is an essential part of the easing of restrictions as it will help to quickly suppress the spread of COVID and break the chain of transmission.

The rapid lateral flow tests are quick, easy and give a result within half an hour;

Residents are reminded that these tests are only for those who do not have coronavirus symptoms, anyone who has symptoms should isolate and book a PCR test online: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

To help best protect the community it’s recommended that everyone gets tested twice a week, and tests can be accessed via any of the means below:

Darnton Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, SK15 1NHEvery day (until the end of April)2.30pm-8pm
Beeley Street Car Park, Hyde, SK14 2TBEvery day (until the end of April)2.30pm-8pm
Stalybridge Civic Hall – (Old Market Hall) entrance near the Statue, Trinity Street, Stalybridge, SK15 2BNMonday – Friday (until further notice)9am-5pm
Active Copley, Huddersfield Road, Millbrook, Stalybridge, SK15 3ETTuesday 13 – Saturday 17 AprilMonday 26 – Friday 30 April11am-4pm
Active Ken Ward, Hattersley Road East, Hattersley, SK14 3NLMonday 19 April – Saturday 24 April11am-4pm
  • Visit a local asymptomatic testing site to get tested on site, no need to book just turn up.
Dukinfield Town Hall, Chapel Street entrance
King Street, Dukinfield, SK16 4LA		Monday – Friday7am-7pm
Stalybridge Civic Hall, – (Old Market Hall) entrance near the Statue
Trinity Street, Stalybridge, SK15 2BN		Monday – Friday  9am-5pm


Anyone who receives a positive result from a rapid lateral flow test should book a PCR test online: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

Tameside Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy said:

“I’d like us all to get into the habit of doing a quick test twice a week as part of our everyday lives – which along with washing our hands, wearing a face covering and making space with fresh air, means we’ll be playing our part to keep ourselves and each other safe, and stop the transmission of COVID. Together with taking up the vaccine, this is how we can more safely ease our way out of lockdown.

“Even if you’ve been vaccinated it’s important to remember that you can still spread the virus, so please continue to keep to hands, face, space and fresh air – and test regularly.

“I encourage everyone to take up the offer of these free rapid tests – they are quick and easy to carry out. Remember though, if you have symptoms of COVID – a high temperature, new or continuous cough, or a loss of the sense of smell or taste, please get a PCR test (one that gets sent to the lab) and you and anyone you live with should stay at home until you know the result.”

More information about rapid testing in Tameside: www.tameside.gov.uk/rapidtesting