New symptom-free testing centre to come to West Oxfordshire from next week

The site in Carterton will be hosted at Brownes Hall in the town centre and from 29 March residents will be able to book a symptom-free test as part of the county-wide testing programme.

The site, which has been set up by West Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, will be open for six days a week with full details to be posted on the Oxfordshire County Council website once the site is open. 

Any residents who work or volunteer in a role where they have close contact with people outside their home, including childminders, are eligible for the tests. They do not need to have any Covid-19 symptoms and are recommended to get tested regularly. 

Anyone who is showing symptoms should book a PCR test through the Government website at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. These tests are done at different testing sites across the county.

Symptom-free testing is also available through workplaces, with the four sites across Oxfordshire making the testing available to any eligible people who do not have access to workplace testing.

Eligible people can book a free rapid test and find out more via the Oxfordshire County Council website.

Councillor Michele Mead, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said; “It is great we have been able to bring a new symptom-free testing centre to West Oxfordshire that will help us keep the infection rates across the area low, saving lives and protecting the NHS.

“I would urge people to make use to the symptom-free tests if they are eligible and would like to remind people to visit the county council website to book their appointment before attending. 

“Massive thanks go to the council staff and volunteers who will be running this centre along with our partners at the Oxfordshire County Council.”