Two new coronavirus test centres have opened near Milton Keynes - one in Northampton and one in Bedford.
This comes as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.
There is currently one test centre in Milton Keynes - near Sainsbury's in CMK - which previously came under fire for appearing empty when residents were struggling to book a slot.
Some reported being told to travel as far away as Telford in the West Midlands for a test.
But more time slots seem to be available, and with the introduction of two more nearby test centres, it should be easier for people to book a test.
Two walk-in test centres have opened within relatively close proximity to Milton Keynes. There is a centre at the University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Campus (MK41 9EA) in Bedford and the University Campus Car Park 2 (NN1 5PH) in Northampton.
Testing is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. The Government is committed to continue expanding the capacity of the network of UK test sites and laboratories to make it even easier to get tested and reduce the time it takes to receive test results.
The new site is situated so it is easily accessible without a car. Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.
Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
Testing at the new sites started both today and yesterday with appointments made available each day.
The sites are part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history which has the capacity to process more than 500,000 tests a day and includes more than 600 sites across the UK, including 79 drive-through sites, 271 walk-through sites, 258 mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and five Lighthouse laboratories.
Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts. This will help to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.
Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.
