Huge demand for coronavirus tests at Caerphilly Leisure Centre

A huge demand for coronavirus tests at Caerphilly Leisure Centre has seen three hour waits and long queues of traffic.

The test centre, which opened on Saturday (September 5), was set up in response to a surge of new cases of Covid-19 in Caerphilly County Borough.

People wanting to get tested do not need an appointment at the centre.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board posted an “urgent message” on social media this morning (Monday, September 7), urging people who needed a test to wait until this afternoon.

Trethomas resident Gareth Jones posted a video of the queues on Twitter.

He said cars were “bumper to bumper”, with traffic stretching all the way to Gallagher retail park.

Mr Jones said: “I was on my way to the pharmacy and it took a good half an hour. It normally takes about ten minutes.

“I went out at 11am and then again at 12pm. The traffic had eased slightly but it was still mayhem.”

Caerphilly Observer understands that around 400 people were tested at the centre on Saturday (September 5) – the first day it was open.

However, some residents were reportedly turned away from the test centre over the weekend.

The test centre is set to be in place until Tuesday (September 8).

Meanwhile, Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Philippa Marsden, has warned that a local lockdown could be introduced “if necessary”.

Figures released by Public Health Wales on Sunday (September 6), showed 78 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Caerphilly County Borough in the past seven days – the highest figure of any council area in Wales.

Public Health Wales has been contacted for comment.