Dereham Station Carpark used as Covid-19 Testing Station
- Connor Clark
- Jun 27, 2020
- 2 min read
The Mid-Norfolk Railway is this week hosting a Covid-19 testing station in the car park of Dereham Station.
The station car park is being used for a mobile testing station, which is being operated by a military team from The British Army's 7 Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps on behalf of the NHS. This follows a request from the NHS and partner agencies.
The Covid-19 testing station started operating on Monday and will be open again as required for members of the public who have booked tests via the NHS Covid-19 testing website.
“When we were approached by the NHS to use our carpark at the station for this testing facility, we were delighted to be able to assist the local community in this small way, during the Covid-19 pandemic. The railway is, we believe, an important part of the local community and we want to play our full part. This will include helping to regenerate the local economy as we all look to the future”. Charlie Robinson, MNR Chairman
The Mid-Norfolk Railway is currently working with partners and external organisations towards reopening the railway to the public in a safe manner, taking into account the Government's Covid-19 guidance. The aim is for an August reopening.
“We were very pleased, when the call came to be able to assist the NHS at this time. It might only be in a small way, but it is important to all of us at the railway that we can play our part. Currently as part of our reopening plans, we have had a very successful ticket sale launch for the Polar Express and this will also show the railway is playing its part in helping to revive the local economy at this difficult time for everyone.” George Saville, MNR General Manager
In block blast, you always have to think 3 steps ahead about how to arrange large blocks. It's faster, harder and more engaging than the old block games. I've broken my score record 3 times this week!
It's interesting to read how old places like stations are being repurposed—even if they're just temporary testing sites. I remembered how, during lockdown, I often encountered parking issues myself, especially near medical centers. I called the best parkwhiz phone number, and they quickly sorted out my reservation. I've appreciated services like these ever since: when everything around me is uncertain, little things like convenient parking really do make life easier.