A new walk-in Covid testing centre opened in Borehamwood today.
The centre is for people with Covid symptoms to check whether they have the virus or not.
This new walk-through facility, in Hertsmere Borough Council's car park, will be open every day, with appointments made available everyday.
There has been a drive-through testing facility at the council's car park for a number of months, but it has only been open twice a week meaning some people have had to travel further to get a test on days when the Borehamwood centre is closed.
The full address is Hertsmere Civic Offices Car Park, Borehamwood, WD6 1JT.
Testing, which will be self-administered, 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.
Hertsmere Civic Offices
The new site is situated so it is easily accessible without a car.
The drive-through facility will stay, although it is not clear if it will remain open two days a week or be available everyday.
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.
Generic image of a testing site. Credit: PA
Borehamwood currently has some of the highest Covid infection rates in Hertfordshire, and in England, with nearly 800 cases recorded in the town between December 20 and January 2, and likely dozens since.
Case levels are also very high in Radlett and Elstree.
Council leader Morris Bright MBE said: "I am pleased a convenient walk-in test centre is coming to Hertsmere. We have been working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure we were able to provide a safe and convenient site for people to get a COVID-19 test.
"Testing is an important element in the fight against the pandemic. I’ve no doubt this new test centre will be of great benefit to our community in the weeks and months ahead but it is still important that we all remember that each and every one of us has a role to play in reducing the spread of the virus.
"It is still with us, so it is really important that if you have symptoms, no matter how mild, you stay at home, isolate and book a free test."
Meanwhile, a Covid vaccination centre, being run by GP's in Hertsmere, opened at Allum Hall in Borehamwood today.
The centre is appointment only and people must wait to hear from their GP for details on when it is their turn to receive the vaccine at the hall.
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