New COVID-19 Testing Site In City Centre Arrives At Critical Time

8 October 2020

Wera welcomed the opening of a new walk-through COVID-19 testing site in the centre of Bath, something she had called for.

The Bath MP said:

“This is very good news for everyone in our city, and I commend Bath & North East Somerset Council for their role in making this happen. I called for an accessible testing site in the city centre to make it easy for residents to be tested for COVID-19. There have been far too many examples of residents being required to drive themselves and their families long distances to be tested.

The new testing site comes at a critical time as cases are on the rise across the country and we enter the autumn. So far, we have been more fortunate than some other cities, but we cannot take anything for granted. We must all behave responsibly to reduce the spread of the virus.

I am grateful to the University of Bath for providing space for the site in Carpenter House, their building in Broad Quay in the city centre, which is easily accessible without a car.

The new testing site is an example of the proactive and effective collaboration we have seen throughout the pandemic in Bath. I am proud of everyone in our city, from residents and volunteers to our key institutions including Bath & North East Somerset Council, the RUH, universities and others who have joined forces to keep residents safe.

This is not a walk-in centre. Tests must be booked in advance. Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste. If you have one or more of these symptoms, please book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

The local testing site has its own entrance and exit to keep people safe, and residents and businesses were notified in advance. Those who come for tests must 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."