Mobile Covid testing unit to return to Strabane

A MOBILE Covid testing centre is set to return to Strabane, in an apparent U-turn by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

The move comes following a campaign by a number of local representatives to restore the facility in an effort to combat the some of the highest rates of Covid in the North.

West Tyrone MLA Maolíosa McHugh said, “After much lobbying and representations made to the Public Health Agency over recent weeks, it is welcome news to have a COVID mobile testing unite back in Strabane.

‘’The infection rate in the Derry and Strabane council district remains one of the highest on this island therefore it is only right that people in the area have access to this service.”

The department of health recorded the BT82 postal district of having an infection rate of 4,585 per 100,000 in the seven days to January 1.

As reported in the Strabane Chronicle today (Thursday), the PHA previously said they had no plans to restore testing capacity in the town after it was removed in November, but added “the situation is monitored closely on a daily basis”.

The mobile testing unit will be based at the Canal Basin north car park with appointments for PCR tests available on the governments booking portal.