Mobile coronavirus testing sites arriving across Bucks this week
All tests at the sites must be pre-booked.
New mobile coronavirus testing sites will be popping up across Buckinghamshire this week.
It comes as any residents with symptoms are being urged to make sure they book a test.
The mobile testing sites will be at:
• Marlow, on Monday (9 November)
• Buckingham, on Wednesday (11 November)
• Gerrards Cross, on Thursday (12 November)
• High Wycombe, on Friday (13 November) for up to three days.
Walk-through testing sites are also now open seven days a week at the Gateway Centre car park in Aylesbury and the Buckinghamshire New University campus in High Wycombe.
These will be in place for the foreseeable future.
The sites are open for use by anyone with coronavirus symptoms and all tests must be booked first – they are not available on a ‘drop-in’ basis.
However, with cases rising, anyone with even mild symptoms is being encouraged to arrange a test to help stop the spread of the virus.
Symptoms include a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.
Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at online or by calling 119.
It is also possible to order a home testing kit via the website.
If the mobile testing sites are fully booked, people will be offered testing at the next-closest location.
A testing centre operating in Slough is also currently open to Buckinghamshire residents, for booked-in visits only.
Gareth Williams, cabinet member for public health and community engagement at Buckinghamshire Council, said:
"If you have coronavirus symptoms, no matter how mild, please book a test as soon as you can and isolate unless you get a ‘negative’ result.
"Please also isolate if anyone in your household develops symptoms.
"It’s really important that everyone in Buckinghamshire remains vigilant and follows the latest guidance.
"With stricter lockdown measures now in effect, the mobile testing sites and the walk-through testing sites will be hugely important as we work together to stop the spread of the virus."
Meanwhile Dr Raj Bajwa, GP and chair of NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, added:
"Testing is essential to help keep NHS services running smoothly and to help vulnerable people stay as safe as possible from coronavirus infection.
"These mobile sites offer a great boost to our testing capabilities in Buckinghamshire, so we hope they will be well-used by those that need them."
The full guidance for households with possible COVID-19 infection can be found on the government website.
Anybody who is in need of extra support during the second lockdown period can find information about the different ways they can get help on the Buckinghamshire Council website.