Walk-in coronavirus testing centre to open in village near Bedford while testing reduced in town

New centre in Cranfield is being operated in partnership with G4S and will offer self-administered tests
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A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility has opened at Cranfield University.

Testing at the new site, in Medway Court, Building 3, will start today (Monday, October 5), with appointments made available each day.

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

The new centre in Cranfield is being operated in partnership with G4S and will offer self-administered testsThe new centre in Cranfield is being operated in partnership with G4S and will offer self-administered tests
The new centre in Cranfield is being operated in partnership with G4S and will offer self-administered tests

You can only attend if you have coronavirus symptoms. The new site is situated to be easily accessible without a car, according to the Department of Health & Social Care.

Health minister Lord Bethell said: “We continue to expand testing to make sure that everyone with symptoms can get a test, with our new walk-in sites making it even easier no matter where you live."

But the news is cold comfort to Bedford as earlier today, the mayor revealed Covid testing had been reduced by the Government in the town from seven days to fourHe said: “This is really disappointing and I’m urging the Test and Trace authorities to reinstate seven days."

Baroness Dido Harding, interim executive chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said: “Our new walk through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test. This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand testing across the UK to deliver 500,000 tests a day by the end of October.

“Everybody should continue to think hands, face, space, and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted – this is the only way we can return to a more normal way of life.”

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

Gordon Brockington, G4S director said: “We are proud of our important role in setting up and managing this Covid-19 testing site, and other similar sites across the UK.”