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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Christie Bannon

Work to begin on new drive-through coronavirus testing unit in Carmarthen

Work will begin this weekend on a new coronavirus drive-through testing centre in Carmarthen.

Testing capacity is being stepped up with a new facility for key workers at the showground site in the town.

The unit, which will be operational by Thursday, will support testing facilities already providing tests for NHS staff and key workers.

In addition to other testing units and alternatives being explored by the Welsh Government, it could potentially support future expansion of community testing.

Other testing facilities on offer in west Wales are in Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Haverfordwest and Llanelli, with consideration also being taken as to how testing capacity may be strengthened in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys.

Executive director of therapies and health science for Hywel Dda University Health Board, Alison Shakeshaft said: "This is the next phase of our testing response supporting our key workers in critical areas of public service.

"We have testing capacity in all three counties of our patch, as well as provision of home testing where individuals are unable to access a testing unit e.g. for care home residents.

"We serve a rural community and are doing everything we can to make testing as accessible as possible.

"We will continue to work with other health boards in regards to mutual aid and supporting people who live or work across our boundaries."

This latest testing unit has been delivered following a partnership between the UK Government and Deloitte to deliver the UK-wide coronavirus testing of key workers.

Currently tests for key workers in west Wales are managed through Hywel Dda University Health Board's local command centre where symptomatic workers are provided an appointment slot for themselves, and/or if appropriate, members of their household.

They are provided with specific instruction on when and how to attend the different testing facilities.

Ms Shakeshaft added: "We are grateful for the partnership working established in our area and also to our communities for their co-operation and continued support during this pandemic."

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