A new drive-through coronavirus testing facility has opened in Aylesbury for those with symptoms to book appointments.
Located at Aylesbury Vale Parkway Station, this is part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.
Testing is only available to those with coronavirus symptoms such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
A tweet from Boris on Jan 23, 2021
We have vaccinated over 5.8 million people in the UK, with a record 478,000 first doses given in a single day yesterday.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 23, 2021
Every jab brings us closer to defeating the virus. If you’re called for the vaccine, please do come forward. pic.twitter.com/BWO1cYcsfQ
Health Minister, Lord Bethell, said: “To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch.
“We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.
“New drive-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live.
“If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”
Testing at the new site started on Wednesday, January 20, with appointments being made available each day and anyone who has tested positive for the virus in England, will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts.
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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.
Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said: “Drive-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 our testing network across the UK which now has the capacity to process more than 700,000 tests a day.
The message is clear
We have now learned that, in addition to spreading more quickly, the new variant of the virus may also be associated with a higher degree of mortality.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 22, 2021
It is therefore more important than ever that we all follow the rules and stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
“We will continue to expand capacity to improve test turnaround times and push forward testing innovations to make sure anyone who needs a test can get one.”
The testing centre is being operated in partnership with Mitie and will offer assisted and self-administered tests.
Simon Venn, Mitie Chief Government & Strategy Officer, said: “Our priority during the pandemic is to support the nation’s efforts to fight Covid-19 and help keep the country running.
“Testing is a critical part of the UK’s strategy to combat coronavirus and we’re proud to support the UK Government with this vital task.
“A big thank you to all the NHS staff, Mitie employees, and other frontline heroes in Aylesbury, who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe.”
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