Drive-through coronavirus testing unit is in Stroud

The mobile unit is based in the Stratford Park Leisure Centre car park from today (Thursday).

It will be there until Monday, July 20, operating from 10.30am-3.30pm.

To book a place go to orlo.uk/book_test_taTny or call 119.

Anyone who is showing coronavirus symptoms is now eligible for a swab test to find out if they have the virus.

Access to testing for essential workers:

Essential workers are being prioritised for testing, while allowing as many tests as possible for the wider population.

Essential workers and members of their household who have symptoms should continue to register for a test through the self referral and employer portals on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

If they meet the criteria, they will be issued with a unique code and will be able to select the Stroud location, as long as appointments are available.

A case has been made to the Department for Health and Social Care to try to secure the mobile unit for longer to enable more Gloucestershire residents to access testing.

It is an important step in tackling Covid-19 in the county as it will establish if people with symptoms have the virus, to determine whether they can return to work or need further advice and support.

People who cannot drive to the site can order a home testing kit, but supplies are limited.

There is also some capacity for frontline health and social care staff to be tested as part of the local NHS testing centre in Brockworth, but this must be booked through employers.

The mobile testing unit is being put up and disassembled daily by the military. Gloucestershire County Council and police have worked together to ensure that signage, entrance and exits and traffic flow are managed and there is a team on site to ensure it runs smoothly.

A high number of tests are being carried out at the site but people are reminded to please attend at the time they have booked.