New Covid test centre to open in Aldershot

Aldershot is set to benefit from a new Covid test centre.

The walk-through site will open this month - with the location and opening hours to be published at a later date.

Hampshire County Council says it is not a drop-in facility - people displaying one of the three main symptoms - coughing, loss of taste or smell or a high temperature - will need to book an appointment online or by calling the NHS number 119.

It also says when booking a test patients will be offered the next available appointment - which may not necessarily be in the location nearest to where they live.

Anyone unable to travel to a local testing site by private car or walking should consider booking a home test.

The Aldershot site is one of five new testing centres opening over the next two weeks in Hampshire - the other four are in Basingstoke, Gosport, Havant and Winchester.

It is to boost the current capacity of the permanent regional testing centre at Southampton Airport, as well as the three Mobile Testing Units which are deployed around the county.

Councillor Keith Mans, Leader of Hampshire County Council and Chair of Hampshire's Local Outbreak Engagement Board, said: "These appointment-only walk-through sites are a very welcome addition to the testing provision we already have within the county. They will help ensure access to prompt and convenient testing, particularly for those who are unable to access testing sites by car, which is key to preventing further spread of the virus."

"Viral infection rates in Hampshire are rising - in all areas, though thankfully still not as rapidly as elsewhere in the country, but we know how quickly and easily the virus can be transmitted from person to person.

"We are currently in Tier 1 (Medium) of the new COVID Alert Levels which means the national restrictions continue to apply within Hampshire, and it is important that anyone with symptoms - however mild - seeks a test promptly.

"It is equally important that those who do not have symptoms refrain from booking a test, in order to manage demand and to ensure that tests are available for those who really need one.

"We would also remind residents that they should return home immediately after their test and remain in self-isolation whilst awaiting their results."

When to get a test:

Only book a test if you have one of the three main symptoms of the virus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell and taste), or if you are advised to do so by NHS Test and Trace.

Do not book a test if you have returned from a quarantined country unless you have symptoms.

How to get a test:

Book online or by calling 119 from 8am. Do not call NHS 111 as this is for other health and medical issues.

When booking online, make sure you complete the form in full. This includes confirming that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions. You will then be sent a QR code which is required to enter the testing site.

What to do if you are having difficulty booking a test site near you:

Keep trying - more tests are made available throughout the day.