Two mobile testing units in Bath & North East Somerset

A second drive-in Covid-19 mobile testing unit has opened today (Friday September 11) at Odd Down Park and Ride.

It is in addition to the temporary Covid-19 mobile testing unit at Paulton Football Club which will be available until September 21.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s public health team has arranged the additional unit to give more people better access to local testing.

The Department of Health and Social Care has reported an increase in demand for testing and says the service is currently very busy. It is asking anyone who tries to book a test and is unable to do so, or who is offered a location or time which is not convenient to please wait a few hours and then try again.

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, said; “I am extremely pleased that our public health team has not only secured the extension of the Paulton mobile testing unit but has now secured a second testing unit which will be at Odd Down Park and Ride.

“This will help many residents to avoid lengthy journeys to get tested. It is important to remember however, you must only get tested if you are symptomatic and if you have symptoms you still need to self-isolate while you wait to get tested.”

Both MTUs are part of the COVID-19 National Testing Programme and anyone who thinks they may have coronavirus symptoms can book a test by visiting https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested. People without internet access can dial 119.

You can ask for a test:

• for yourself, if you have coronavirus symptoms now (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
• for someone you live with, if they have coronavirus symptoms

You can ask for a test for a child who lives with you if they have coronavirus symptoms, whatever their age.

Residents attending both units for test should arrive by car and not use public transport. The postcode for Paulton Football Club is BS39 7RF and for Odd Down is  BA2 8PA

Tests at the mobile testing units are subject to availability and if all appointments are booked, an alternative testing site will be offered.

People with symptoms are also advised to self-isolate at home. No one in the household or its support bubble should leave home if any one person has symptoms. There is more guidance on what this involves on the government’s website at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

For tests to be effective you must be symptomatic. Symptoms of the virus are a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell. More information can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/

More guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested#who-can-be-tested

The Compassionate Community Hub offers support and advice for vulnerable people who are self-isolating. Click on this link for more info https://www.3sg.org.uk/pages/wellbeing-resources or call 0300 247 0050.

For all council service updates visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus