Robert was among the first people tested at the new symptom-free Covid-19 testing centre in Carterton. He was visiting the site as it prepares to open its doors for the public on Monday 29th March.
People will be able to book an appointment at the new site, at Brownes Hall in Carterton town centre, if they work or volunteer in a role where they have close contact with people outside their household, including childminders, and do not have access to workplace testing.
Robert was joined at the site by Cllr Michele Mead, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, who are running the site with support from Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service.
Both took a rapid Covid-19 test (also known as a lateral flow test) to help site staff prepare to open the site for local residents in the coming days. Their negative test results were available in under an hour.
Eligible workers are being encouraged to get tested twice a week even if they have been vaccinated. This will help pick up a Covid-19 infection early and reduce the risk to others.
Tests are free and can be booked through Oxfordshire County Council’s website here: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council/coronavirus-covid-19/prevention-and-testing/rapid-symptom-free-testing.
The site will be open 6 days a week, between 8.30am - 7pm (Monday - Friday) and 8.30am - 12.30pm (Saturday).
The site is only for those without symptoms. Anyone with Coronavirus symptoms should book a PCR test in the usual way through the Government website here: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
Speaking after visiting the site, Robert commented: “I was pleased to have been invited to safely visit the new symptom-free testing centre in Carterton as it prepares to open fully next week. The operation that is being set up here is profoundly impressive, and I am grateful to everyone involved from both our local councils for all their hard work.
“This site is going to play an important role in helping to keep local infection rates low and I encourage everyone eligible to get tested to help protect their community.”
