A temporary coronavirus test centre is set to be opened at Caerphilly leisure centre.
It comes after an increase in reported cases in Caerphilly County Borough, which has the highest number of new cases in Wales in the last seven days.
When will the test centre be open?
The test centre will be open between the following times:
- Saturday, September 5 – 8am to 4pm
- Sunday, September 6 – 8am to 4pm
- Monday, September 7 – 8am to 6pm
- Tuesday, September 8 – 8am to 6pm
Do I need to book an appointment?
No. The test centre will be for walk-ins only.
This means the centre will not appear as an option when booking a test online.
To apply for a coronavirus test online, visit obv.sr/c19test
Should I go for a test?
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has urged anyone who lives in the Caerphilly town area and is experiencing Covid-19 symptoms to go for a test, even if the symptoms are mild.
People who are not showing symptoms of the virus are advised not to visit the test centre.
Social distancing will be in place, but people who go to be tested are urged not to travel to the centre with anyone else.
How much do tests cost?
Coronavirus testing at the test centre will be free of charge.
Tests booked through Welsh Government are also free.
Why is the test centre being opened?
The test centre has been opened after an increase in cases in Caerphilly County Borough, which has in the last seven days recorded more new cases of coronavirus than any other county in Wales.
Mererid Bowley, of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB), said: “This temporary testing centre will help us learn more about the rate of infection in Caerphilly, and will help us protect the residents of Caerphilly and Gwent.
“I’d encourage those living nearby, if you have symptoms of a cough, loss of taste or smell, fever of even just feel slightly unwell, please come and get a free test.
“We have detailed procedures in place that protect our staff and you. The test is done quickly and you can be in and out of the testing centre in five minutes.
Getting a test if you have symptoms will help keep the people around you safe and help keep Caerphilly safe.”
ABUHB chief executive Judith Paget urged residents to maintain social distancing, wash hands regularly, wear a face mask when social distancing is difficult and get tested if symptoms develop.
Ms Paget said: “Even if you think you won’t be badly affected by coronavirus, remember, it is very easy to pass on and can be very serious.
“This is especially true for older or more vulnerable family members, friends or colleagues which could have serious, even fatal, consequences.”
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