New coronavirus testing site takes shape in Hereford car park

Coronavirus testing signs and cones are in place in the car park at the St Martin's Avenue Halo pool.

Herefordshire already has public coronavirus testing sites at Merton Meadow in Hereford, the Larruperz Centre in Ross-on-Wye and the Broad Street car park in Leominster.

This second mobile Covid-19 testing centre for Hereford will be operating from tomorrow (November 20) due to a rise in cases in the south of the city.

Herefordshire’s first Covid-19 testing site at Merton Meadow car park, Hereford, remains open but the additional temporary unit will make accessing a test a lot easier for people living in south Hereford.

The unit is offering tests from 10.30am until 3.30pm each day for up to 14 days initially. People will be able to book their test at the new site from 8pm tonight by ringing NHS 119 or online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

It is being provided for Herefordshire Council by the regional NHS test and trace team.

Herefordshire Council’s Director of Public Health Karen Wright said: “The number of covid cases in south Hereford has risen significantly in recent days and it is important local residents have easy access to testing.

“This unit was originally located in Ross-on-Wye at the end of October due to a rise in covid cases there. But it became clear in recent days that extra testing capacity was needed in Hereford.

“The advantage of using mobile testing units is that we can move them when required to specific locations where we see an increase in cases.

“Anyone with covid symptoms should self-isolate immediately and book a test. They should only leave home to drive, or be driven by a household member, to the test centre. Those unable to attend the test centre should order a home test kit.

“Covid-19 is spreading in our county and it is extremely important that everyone in Herefordshire follows the covid rules meticulously to help protect themselves and others. We are still in the grip of a devastating pandemic which has already claimed more than one million lives worldwide.

“We must continue to wash hands thoroughly and frequently, wear a face covering over mouth and nose, as well as keeping at least 2 metres apart from others if we go out.”

People experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 – a high temperature, persistent cough, loss or change in sense of taste or smell – should immediately book a test by ringing NHS 119 or visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

They should self-isolate (not leave their home) while waiting for their test and until they have the result. Anyone who cannot get to a test centre can order a home test kit.

Anyone without family or friends to support them while self-isolating can contact Talk Community by ringing 01432 260027 or emailing talkcommunityhelpline@herefordshire.gov.uk for help and advice.

Coronavirus cases in the county have increased by 27 over the last 24 hours, official figures show.

Public Health England figures show that 2,137 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Wednesday (November 18) in Herefordshire, up from 2,110 the same time on Tuesday.

The news comes as a spike in coronavirus cases in South Hereford is blamed on pre-lockdown activity.

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• Spike in south Hereford coronavirus cases blamed on half-term

Seven-day rolling government figures released this week has shown a huge increase in coronavirus cases in areas of the city including Hunderton, Redhill, Newton Farm.

In the seven days up until November 12, 44 cases were reported in Hereford South- a rise of 27 cases (158.8%).

Meanwhile, in Hereford South West 36 new cases were reported- a rise of 20 cases on the previous week.