A mobile testing unit has arrived in a village near the Powys border following an outbreak of coronavirus linked with the local primary school.

Minsterley Primary School has been closed since June 23 due to the numbers of staff needing to self-isolate, which affected the school’s ability to operate safely.

There have been 36 positive cases directly or indirectly linked to the outbreak at the school, which is due to reopen on Monday (July 5) now that most staff and students have completed their 10-day self-isolation period. 

Given the scale of the outbreak in Minsterley, Shropshire Council is encouraging residents to get a PCR test. The mobile testing unit is based at the village hall seven days a week, from 9am to 3pm, until Sunday, July 11.

The site will operate on a no appointment necessary, walk-in basis until Tuesday, July 6. After that, bookings will need to be made online on the Government website, or by calling 119. 

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said: “I understand it has been a worrying time for individuals and families in Minsterley, but rest assured we are doing everything we can to control the spread of the virus. 

“I would also like to thank everyone in the community for their co-operation and understanding. Going forward, I would encourage everyone to keep testing twice a week using lateral flow tests. This is key to stopping the rapid spread. Home testing kits are currently available from the Co-op and Pontesbury pharmacy."