A temporary coronavirus test site, which will operate over the Christmas period, will remain open until January 4th.

Earlier this month council bosses announced that the coronavirus test site at Himley Hall and Park would move to Kingswinford Rugby Club from December 24 to 28, to try and make the grounds of Himley Hall more accessible for people taking walks or trying out new presents over the Christmas period.

It has been confirmed that the test site will remain at the rugby club until January 4 and is expected to return to Himley Hall and Park on January 5.

The site will be a drive-in test site and only for people with symptoms.

Tests must be booked in advance by calling 119 or going to nhs.uk/coronavirus. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:

“Himley Hall and Park can be a popular destination for people over the Christmas period and we want to support that tradition as much as possible.

“We’ve made the decision to extend the period of time that the test site is at the rugby club to keep the grounds of the park fully open throughout the Christmas break but we do expect it to return in the new year.

“I would urge anyone visiting Himley Hall and Park or any of our open spaces to ensure they are following all the latest guidelines and remember hands, face and space at all times.”

The site is one of four testing sites in the borough. The others, which are walk-through test centres, are on Flood Street car park (off Oakeywell Street) in Dudley and on Jackson Street car park in Lye. There is also a drive through mobile test site at Engine Lane, Brierley Hill.

If people have coronavirus symptoms they should contact the NHS Test and Trace service as soon as possible to book an appointment by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 10 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

All people attending the centres must wear a face covering, except for children under three years old, who must observe social distancing on site. Children over three will only be admitted if they are wearing a face covering. If they cannot wear a face mask for medical reasons, then they should request a home test.

For more information on Dudley borough test sites visit dudley.gov.uk/coronavirustesting.

The testing centre is being operated in partnership with Serco and will offer self-administered tests.