A WALK-IN Covid screening service has opened at the Metrocentre shopping centre.
Cignpost ExpressTest's new facility, in the lower blue mall, has ten booths and offers PCR swab tests with a capacity of 9,120 tests per week.
The company says it will be of particular use to members of the public who are symptomless, so do not qualify for NHS emergency testing but require a green light to visit family members or fly abroad.
Fit to Fly tests are priced at £80 per person for travel passengers and £99 per person for the test-only service.
The Gateshead facility is one of ten new sites to recently open across the UK.
As well as being a selected provider of discounted COVID-19 testing to British Airways, the company also provides gold-standard PCR tests at Gatwick, Heathrow and Edinburgh Airports, as well as at Brent Cross Shopping Centre.
Christian Corney, CEO of Cignpost ExpressTest, said: “At Cignpost ExpressTest we are passionate about providing customers with very best testing experience as they prepare to travel.
"We have seen increasing desire for testing since international travel resumed in England and expect to see increased local demand in the coming weeks, particularly with the launch of “green flights” from Newcastle International Airport.
"We are proud to bring Covid-19 screening services to the people of the North East, and whether for personal or business travel, we remain committed to delivering the best possible service at an affordable price.”
Ben Cox of Sovereign Centros, senior asset manager for Metrocentre, said: “Expanding the range of facilities and services available at Metrocentre is a key initiative for us, so we are delighted to welcome Cignpost ExpressTest to the blue mall.
“If our visitors are looking to get abroad this year, for leisure or work, or need an option to safely visit family and friends, our new testing facility offers an affordable and easy way to get piece of mind before you travel.
"Our free parking and extended trading hours will make it a convenient destination for people in the region who need to get tested.”
Bookings are now open, with tests available on the same day.
To book a test visit www.expresstest.co.uk and select a date and time.
Customers will then be sent a QR code which they must take with them to their appointment, along with their passport.
Payment will be taken during the booking process.
Opening hours are 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm Saturday and 11am to 5pm Sunday.
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