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Coronavirus mobile testing unit reopens at Portway Park & Ride
A drive-through coronavirus testing site that was moved out of Bristol before Christmas has reopened.
The Portway Park & Ride mobile unit is back, joining two others in the city at Hengrove Leisure Park and Brislington Park & Ride.
It was transferred by the Department of Health and Social Care to another location in the region the week before Christmas where Covid-19 rates were higher and as Bristol was being downgraded to Tier Two.
is needed now More than ever
But it has now returned after cases soared by more than 50 per cent and England was placed in the third national lockdown.
The city also has two walk-through testing sites at Netham Park and at the rear of the Victoria Rooms.
News of the Portway unit’s return was revealed in Bristol City Council’s weekly coronavirus email newsletter to residents.
Run by the Department of Health & Social Care, the site aims to provide fast access to testing and reduce the need for people with symptoms from having to travel further afield to be tested.
The Portway testing unit has returned after cases soared by more than 50 per cent. Photo: Martin Booth
A mobile testing unit is a temporary site that can be set-up almost immediately in response to a rise in cases. The site can be in place for up to a week with the option to roll over into the following week if required.
Testing is available to everyone, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
Anyone who has coronavirus symptoms should get a test as soon as possible.
If you have to attend a testing site, the advice is not to use a taxi or public transport, wear a face covering at all times and not to stop anywhere en route.
Additional reporting by Adam Postans, a local democracy reporter for Bristol.
Main photo: FOSBR
Read more: Rapid Covid-19 testing trial launches in Bristol
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