New walk-in covid testing centre opens in Reading
Temporary site in Prospect Park becomes permanent
A new walk-through Coronavirus testing facility is opening on Friday 22 Jan at Prospect Park, helping residents in the local area get easier access to testing.
The local testing site is pedestrian access only and easily accessible without a car. Those being tested will be required to social distance, not travel by taxi or public transport and wear a face covering throughout (including travelling to and from the testing centre).
The Prospect Park site has previously been used as a mobile testing site several days a month since October 2020.
The testing facilities are expected to be in place seven days a week, 8am to 8pm for the next three to six months. Testing will be for pre-booked appointments only, those turning up without an appointment will not be tested.
Anyone with Coronavirus symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test at the local testing site, tests should be booked as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus, by calling 119 or via the NHS COVID-19 app, you can expect your result the next day.
Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing will be provided with guidance at the time of booking on getting to and from the test site safely.
Reaction
Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading’s Lead Member for Health, said
“I’m delighted we’ve secured another permanent local testing site in Reading at Prospect Park. With increasing infection rates in Reading it’s vital to get a test if you have COVID symptoms, however mild - to help stop the spread of the virus. After your test please make sure you isolate and continue to isolate as per NHS requirements if you receive a positive test result, to reduce and prevent transmission of the virus in our community.”
“We’re hopeful of a successful and rapid vaccine roll out over the next few weeks and months, protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. The next few weeks and possible months will be challenging. The simple but effective measures of washing your hands frequently especially when you return home from shopping or exercise, wearing a face covering and making space at least 2 metres, will help to protect you and your families from catching or transmitting the virus.”
Home testing
Residents who are unable to walk to the local testing sites at Prospect Park and the University of Reading London Road campus for a COVID test, will be able to request a home testing kit is sent to them or provided with options of their nearest drive-through test site at their time of booking a test.
Parking
The Prospect Park Car Park will be closed from 6pm Wednesday 20th January until 9am Friday 22nd January to enable the build and set up of the locating testing site. Limited parking will be available after this time for visitors to Prospect Park for exercise during lockdown and the recycling bottle banks will be available and will be relocated within the car park.