Mobile Coronavirus testing site to be run in High Wycombe from Tuesday 5th May 2020
A mobile Coronavirus testing site is to be run in High Wycombe for up to three days this week starting from Tuesday 5th May 2020.
The mobile testing site will be located at the High Wycombe Park and Ride at Handy Cross and is in addition to other local and regional coronavirus testing sites which Buckinghamshire residents can still use.
Anyone who is eligible and wishes to be tested at the Handy Cross mobile site must arrange a prior appointment on the national booking website as https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk. The tests are not available on a ‘drop-in’ basis and you can also book a test at a different site via the website.
At this time only certain categories of people are eligible for testing such as NHS or other essential workers (and some household members) or people over 65 with symptoms.
Tests are being offered to the following categories of people and in some cases, members of their household. Tests are not available for other members of the general public at this time:
- All those working on the front-line in health and social care (with or without symptoms).
- Patients in the NHS and residents in care homes (with or without symptoms).
- All essential workers with symptoms.
- Anyone over 65 with symptoms.
- Anyone who goes into work because they cannot work from home (e.g. construction workers) and has symptoms.
- Anyone who has symptoms and lives with someone who meets any of the above criteria.
Further details about eligibility for testing can be found at the following link : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested.
People being tested must bring appropriate ID (like an NHS ID card) or a letter / email from their employer to confirm their key worker status. Those being tested should approach the park and ride site as normal then follow the signs into and out of the testing area, which will be operated by military personnel.
As a result of the mobile testing site the High Wycombe Park and Ride site will be partially closed for its normal use as a car park during this time.
Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Buckinghamshire Council, said: ‘Testing is key to battling coronavirus, so it is welcome news to have this mobile site operating from High Wycombe for a few days.
We would urge anyone who thinks they should be tested to book a slot. We apologise for any inconvenience the partial closure of this site as a car park may cause, but I’m sure people will appreciate how important the testing service is at this time.‘
Dr Raj Bajwa, GP and Chair of NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: ‘Testing is essential to help keep NHS services running smoothly during this outbreak, and to help vulnerable people stay as safe as possible from coronavirus infection.
These mobile sites will offer a great boost to our testing capabilities in Buckinghamshire, so we hope they will be well-used by those that need them.‘
*Source of article : Press release from Buckinghamshire Council.
