People have been arriving at the new ‘surge testing’ centres in Bristol.
The three centres opened at 9am today after 11 cases of a new variant of coronavirus were identified in the city and South Gloucestershire.
The hubs are located at the Science Park, Driac Crescent, Emersons Green; Bristol City Council Rapid Testing Centre, 17-18 Wellington Road, and at Imperial Retail Park in Hartcliffe Way. They will operate for two weeks.
The aim of the additional testing is to allow public health officials to find out more about the mutated variant and help reduce the spread of infection by finding asymptomatic cases and prompting people to self-isolate.
Those working at the surge test sites said there had been a 'steady flow' of people arriving since 8.45am today.
However, there has yet to be any evidence of long queues, although that may change as the day progresses.
For those without cars there is also provision for testing for people who arrive on foot.
The surge testing is only available to people living in certain postcodes across the city.
