New walk-through coronavirus testing site opens in Flitwick

A new walk-through test centre for people with COVID-19 symptoms has opened in Flitwick.

The new centre at Flitwick Leisure Centre, Steppingley Road, will further increase the availability of testing in the immediate area and wider community too.

The centre is located on the former leisure centre car park, making it easily accessible by car.

Testing at the centre begins today (Friday), with appointments available each day, the site is open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practicing good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

Testing at this site is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test online, or by calling 119.

Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Those attending Steppingley Road test centre should also note that there is a Rapid test site in its proximity.

Attendees should follow the signs that are on display to ensure they go to the right centre and not mix with those attending the Rapid test site (Flitwick Leisure centre), as this is a test site for people who live or work in central Bedfordshire and do not have COVID-19 symptoms.

Cllr Tracey Stock, executive member for health and wellbeing and communities, said: "Testing is one of the most important tools we have in bringing down transmission figures.

"It is vital that if you have symptoms then please visit a test centre and if found positive, self-isolate for ten days.

"The new site at Flitwick provides additional capacity for those in the area to get tested.

“I urge anyone who has coronavirus symptoms to book an appointment as soon as possible.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has made the new site possible, their efforts will ensure that we drive down cases.”

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for ten days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus.

They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

The testing centre is being operated in partnership with G4S and will offer self-administered tests.