More coronavirus testing sites open around Bucks
The sites in High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Gerrards Cross and Marlow will be open from tomorrow (19 December)
Last updated 18th Dec 2020
More mobile coronavirus testing sites will be opening across Buckinghamshire from tomorrow (19 December).
The mobile testing sites will be at:
• High Wycombe, on Saturday (19 December) and Sunday (20 December)
• Princes Risborough, on Saturday (19 December)
• Gerrards Cross, on Saturday (19 December) and then on Thursday (24 December)
• Marlow, on Wednesday (23 December)
Walk-through testing sites are also 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.
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms can use the sites, but all tests must be booked first.
They are not available on a 'drop-in' basis.
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 online or by calling 119.
It is also possible to order a home testing kit.
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 as we move into Tier 3 restrictions this weekend.
"Please also do take care over Christmas and make sure that, if you do choose to form a Christmas bubble, you take every precaution to keep your loved ones safe."
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."
There is full guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection on the government website.
Anybody who needs extra support is asked to keep checking the Buckinghamshire Council website which will continue to be updated with information about the various ways you can get help.