A walk-through coronavirus test centre opened in Yate today (February 18).
Anyone experiencing Covid-19 symptoms can now book appointments at Yate Shopping Centre Overflow Car Park (BS37 4DQ). This spot has been picked to helped residents without a car.
People arriving at the test centre will need to wear a face covering throughout.
More than 700,000 tests a day are now being carried out in the UK, at more than 800 sites, including 88 drive-through sites, 495 walk-through sites, six Lighthouse laboratories, home testing and satellite kits, and a large number of mobile units.
Health Minister, Lord Bethell, said: “To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch. We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.
“New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”
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Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts.
Close contacts will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for ten days.
Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said: “Walk-through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test. This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand our testing network across the UK which now has the capacity to process more than 700,000 tests a day. We will continue to expand capacity to improve test turnaround times and push forward testing innovations to make sure anyone who needs a test can get one.
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“Please book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms: a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste, and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted.
You can book or order a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus. Those unable to access the internet can call 119 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland or 0800 028 2816 in Scotland to book a test.
