Covid-19 test centre opens in Leominster

[Hereford Voice]

Better access to covid testing in north Herefordshire

A mobile Covid-19 testing centre for north Herefordshire is now operating on the Broad Street Car Park in Leominster.

This is the second mobile testing centre to be set up in county within the past three weeks – taking the total number of sites countywide to three. The other two sites are in Hereford and Ross-on-Wye.

This latest unit makes it more convenient for residents from north Herefordshire to get a covid test close to home. The unit opened today (Nov 13) and will offer tests from 10.30am until 3.30pm each day and will be in place for the foreseeable future. It is being provided for Herefordshire Council by the regional NHS test and trace team.

Herefordshire Council’s Director of Public Health Karen Wright said: “It has always been our aim to set up more testing sites in Herefordshire to make it easier for our residents to get tested close to home.

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“We are delighted to see this plan becoming a reality and are confident it will help us to carry out local testing, tracking and tracing to help control the spread of the virus.

“We cannot do this alone. The successful control of Covid-19 here depends on the actions of everyone in Herefordshire. Cases of Covid-19 in the county are rising significantly and could overwhelm our community, including local health and care services.

“Nobody in Herefordshire can afford to relax. It is essential people get tested if they have symptoms and also that they self-isolate immediately.”

Anyone experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 – a high temperature, persistent cough, loss or change in sense of taste or smell – should immediately book a test by ringing NHS 119 or visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. They should self-isolate (not leave their home) while waiting for their test and until they have the result. Anyone who cannot get to a test centre can order a home test kit.

Hands, Face, Space. We would like to remind people to wash their hands regularly, use a face covering (when visiting enclosed spaces like shops and businesses) and keep their distance (at least 2 metres) to help protect themselves and others.