New Covid test sites open for key workers

Two new test sites for key workers in Bath and North East Somerset who do not have coronavirus symptoms have opened.

A facility at the Masonic Hall in Keynsham opened on Monday and another at the Centurion Hotel in Midsomer Norton launched yesterday.

Both sites offer rapid Covid tests for key workers, or people who cannot work from home, and who have no symptoms of the virus.

Essential workers and volunteers from the B & NES district, as well as personal carers and childminders, are eligible for the tests.

Around one in three people who have coronavirus experience no symptoms and rapid lateral flow testing is important in reducing the risk they pose to others.

The council recently opened its first rapid Covid-19 test site at the Apex Hotel in Bath city centre and, once they are all open, the three sites will operate from 7am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday.

You should book online, up to two weeks in advance, and the test process (including registration on arrival) takes around 15 minutes. Results are sent by text or email, usually within one hour.

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for adult services and health, said: “Rapid testing is a vital tool in helping to break the chain of transmission of the virus.

“The rapid Covid test site will prioritise identifying the virus in people who cannot work from home and who have to be in contact with colleagues and the public in order to provide frontline services to our community.

“It’s important that this sector of workers takes a test weekly to prevent the spread.

“The tests are quick, free and easy to use so please don’t hesitate in booking yourself an appointment.

“Even if test results are negative, there’s a chance that you could still be carrying the virus, so we should all continue to act like we’ve got it to protect our health and that of others.”

■ You can visit this page for more information about booking a rapid flow test including eligibility: www.bathnes.gov.uk/rapidtest.

The Masonic Hall is at 99 Bath Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1SR, and the Centurion Hotel is at Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton, BA3 4BD.

Please do not contact the venues directly with rapid flow testing enquiries.

For questions about access to local rapid testing, email rapid_ test@bathnes.gov.uk.