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Coronavirus testing extended across Hertfordshire

Coronavirus testing extended across Hertfordshire

Coronavirus testing extended across Hertfordshire

The range of locations and eligibility criteria for coronavirus testing across Hertfordshire has been significantly extended, according to Watford Borough Council.

This follows the introduction of local arrangements supported by the military and new government guidance, and a report by the BBC that testing stations across the nation are now are now open to millions more people.

In Watford and throughout Hertfordshire, this means that people who live and work in Hertfordshire who are in the first three days of having suspected coronavirus symptoms, and who have to go out to work, and NHS and social care staff and essential workers who are self-isolating for 14 days because a household member has suspected coronavirus symptoms, should now be able to access coronavirus tests.

Testing for coronavirus helps the government and scientists to understand its current spread and plan how to manage the pandemic, as well as enabling people who test negative to return to return to work more promptly.

Jim McManus, the Director of Public Health for Hertfordshire said:

“There are a number of different testing routes, depending on where you live, what your job is, how old you are, whether you have symptoms and if you have access to your own transport.

“We’re waiting for detailed guidance to come from the government which will make it clear how some of the new testing plans will be delivered. In the meantime, we are very pleased to announce that drive-through testing at three Hertfordshire sites will be in operation every week for the foreseeable future.

“We are also pleased that the number of mail-order tests has been increased too, which means that people without transport should not be disadvantaged.”

Essential workers and members of their households who have access to a vehicle can book a test at a number of locations via an online portal. Those who do not have their own transport can order a mail-order test via the same link, which can be found here.

NHS, social care and care home or nursing staff can visit the local drive-through testing centre, which is available at Howard Court in Welwyn Garden City and at Harpenden Memorial Hospital in Harpenden. Transport can be provided.

The council say that further plans are being put in place to enable everyone in England aged 65 and over with coronavirus symptoms to get tested, along with symptomatic members of their household.

Contact Gi Watford
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