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# MP calls for local coronavirus testing centre to serve Lichfield and Burntwood
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/mp-calls-for-local-coronavirus-testing-centre-to-serve-lichfield-and-burntwood/
- Published: 2020-10-28T14:13:53.000Z
- Updated: 2020-10-28T14:14:19.000Z
- Description: A new coronavirus testing centre is needed for Lichfield and Burntwood, the area’s MP has said.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:14, News

A new coronavirus testing centre is needed for Lichfield and Burntwood, the area’s MP has said.

![Michael Fabricant. Picture: UK Parliament](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/lsdx1x8o.jpg)

Michael Fabricant. Picture: UK Parliament

Michael Fabricant said he had been reassured by Staffordshire County Council that a suitable location was being sourced.

It comes as the area prepares to move into Tier 2 COVID-19 restrictions following a spike in cases across the county.

The Conservative MP said:

> “The nearest site to Lichfield is currently in Tamworth, but with Staffordshire shortly to be raised to Tier 2 COVID-19 infection status, it is vital that we have a more local testing centre.  
>  
> “Dr Richard Harling, Staffordshire’s director of health and care, tells me that they will look for a suitable site in Lichfield though they haven’t found one yet.  
>  
> “When one is opened, it will be a walk-in facility operating 8am to 8pm daily.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant MP

### “The public are losing trust in the Test and Trace programme”

![Coronavirus](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-4885735_1920.jpg)

Mr Fabricant added that it was important people used testing centres after “disturbing” reports of low take-up.

John Henderson, chief executive of Staffordshire County Council, said:

> “We’re seeing an interesting, but concerning, trend in terms of uptake on testing.   
>  
> “It appears that the public are losing trust in the national Test and Trace programme, which manifests itself in low levels of participation – figures of as low as 35% at individual testing stations were quoted in this morning’s West Midlands Covid briefing.  
>  
> “Where we have put focussed efforts into communities around testing and compliance with countermeasures, such as we have seen in Burton, we are rewarded with levels of around 75%, and reduced infection levels.   
>  
> “This process is very labour-intensive and we would be unable to replicate it in its current form across the county – the task in the weeks and months ahead is to achieve the ‘good enough’ solution that might involve the voluntary sector and community groups.”  
>  
> John Henderson, Staffordshire County Council

Mr Fabricant added:

> “As Staffordshire enters Tier 2, it is absolutely vital that we make good use of the test facilities that are available.   
>  
> “Funding is provided by the Government for those who will be financially hit, if they have to isolate.  
>  
> “Unless we use these facilities, it will be difficult for districts within the county to control the virus and drop back to Tier 1\.   
>  
> “So I urge everyone to use them if they start to experience COVID-19 symptoms including a new cough, high temperature, or lack of taste or smell.  
>  
> “If we don’t use it, we’ll lose it.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant MP