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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Joshua Knapman

Rapid coronavirus testing centre for NHS staff set up in Newport

Rodney Parade in Newport has been turned into a "rapid coronavirus testing location" for health service workers on the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The stadium, which is home to Dragons rugby and Newport County AFC, is testing frontline NHS staff from the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

However, the facility is not intended for general public.

Anyone showing symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough) should contact the NHS 111 service.

The health board area, which includes Newport, currently has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Wales, with the latest figures hitting 358.

Dragons managing director, Mark Jones, said: "The health service and care workers are doing an incredible job in such difficult circumstances, so we are happy to offer our help and support in any way we can."

He added: “Playing our part in the local community is the at heart of what we’re about at the Dragons and in times of crisis people stick together to help their community.

“We would urge everyone to follow the latest NHS advice on protecting themselves from the virus, particularly to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel.”

Wales' chief officer's explanation for the coronavirus outbreak around Newport

A spokesman for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff is essential when delivering services for the people of Gwent.

“It is fundamental during this time when the most vulnerable people need us most.

"We have set up a drive-through facility to test staff for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and help us get our teams back in to work on the front line.

“The testing site is located at Rodney Parade in Newport and we ask that everyone practises the stay-at-home guidance and do not visit the site. "

He added: "We are operating an internal process to assess our staff that are showing symptoms of the virus and booking them in for an appointment for testing. If you are showing symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), please contact the NHS 111 service.

“Everyone at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board would like to thank the team at Rodney Parade for their community-focussed approach and accommodating us during these difficult times.”

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