COVID-19 test centre returns to Ross-on-Wye

A mobile COVID-19 testing centre for people with symptoms has been re-establish on Wilton Road Car Park in Ross-on-Wye, and is open from 9am to 3pm every day.

A unit had been located there until Friday 5 February when it was redeployed to help with the government’s “surge testing” campaign in targeted areas to better understand the spread, and supress, the South African variant.

Many of the least-used mobile testing units across the country were reassigned by NHS Test and Trace to work in those areas where cases of the South Africa variant, without clear travel links, were found.

However, Herefordshire Council had requested a unit to be returned to Ross, as soon as one was available, to provide easy access to testing for people living in the south of the county.

Acting director of Public Health in Herefordshire Dr Rebecca Howell-Jones said: “I am really pleased a testing unit for people with COVID-19 symptoms has returned to Ross as it makes it much easier for local people to get a test near to home when they need it.

“Although the number of COVID-19 cases in Herefordshire has dropped significantly during the latest national lockdown, the virus is still circulating in our county and some individuals become extremely sick – needing to go into hospital.

“It remains crucial that anyone developing symptoms self-isolates immediately and books a test to prevent spreading the virus.”

The main COVID-19 symptoms are:

·       a high temperature

·       a new, continuous cough

·       a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

If you have any of these symptoms self-isolate (don’t leave home) and book a free test as soon as possible by visiting the government website or ringing NHS 119. If you are unable to go to a testing centre, you can order a home test kit from the NHS.