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Drive-through Covid testing centre opens at Brislington Park & Ride
A drive-through coronavirus mobile testing unit has been opened at Brislington Park & Ride in response to the significant rise of cases in Bristol.
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.
Testing at the site off Bath Road will run on an appointment-only basis, with only those displaying symptoms currently able to have a test, which can be booked at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
is needed now More than ever
Christina Gray, Bristol’s director of public health, said that fast access to testing is “vital”.
She said: “I am pleased to have been able to secure additional testing facilities for our residents, in addition to the two local testing sites we already have in the city.
“Isolation is also key so I would urge anyone who is not able to book a test immediately to self-isolate with their household until they are able to get a test and receive their result.
Gray added: “I would like to thank everyone for their continued efforts to help prevent the spread of the virus. We must stay home. Not socially interact. Wash our hands. Cover our faces. Stay two metres away from other people.
“Self-isolate if we are asked to or if we have Covid-19 symptoms. If we all do this, we will save lives and get out of the restrictions sooner.”
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.
Bristol currently has two walk-through testing centres at the Victoria Rooms in Clifton and at Netham Park, with another drive-through site at Bristol Airport.
Main photo and video by Martin Booth
Read more: Bristol’s coronavirus rate is worse than Liverpool
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