Dortmund Konzerthaus becomes COVID test centre

Dortmund Konzerthaus is being transformed into a COVID-19 test centre. The concert hall, opened in 2002, will start offering antigen and PCR tests from 27 January.

People interested in having a COVID test can book an appointment online at covidzentrum.de. Tests take a few minutes, with the result sent by text within 20 for antigen tests, while the PCR results take up to 24 hours. The price is €49.90 and €119.90 respectively.

From February the centre will also offer antibody tests. Opening hours are 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday.

“It was important to us right from the start to work with the pandemic instead of resting on our laurels,” said artistic and managing director Raphael von Hoensbroech. “While rehearsals and streaming are taking place upstairs in the hall, we can offer a service in the foyer.”

Hoensbroech added that “from my point of view loneliness is the greatest collateral damage of this crisis,” and said he hoped the hall could continue to be a meeting place for local people.