First day of community testing draws more than 100 people

The first day of community testing in Bridgend County Borough saw more than 100 people attending Kenfig Hill Rugby and Football Club for a free Covid-19 test.

It also identified one resident who was unaware that they were infected with Covid-19.

In Wales, one in three people are believed to be capable of carrying coronavirus without suffering from any of the symptoms.

The community testing is designed to identify and prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus to their family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues and more.

With a testing centre set up at Kenfig Hill Rugby and Football Club between now and Tuesday 9 March, the community testing programme is inviting people aged 11 and over who live in the Cefn Cribwr, Pyle, Kenfig Hill and Cornelly areas.

With no booking necessary, the walk-in centre is available between 9.30am-6.30pm Monday to Friday, and 10am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

As it is also targeting Caerau, Nantyffyllon, Sarn, Aberkenfig, Coytrahen, Ynysawdre, Bryncethin, Bryncoch, Pencoed, Hendre, Felindre and Heol-Y-Cyw, the testing centre will move on to Pencoed Social Club between 10-16 March, Tondu Cricket Club 17-23 March, and a final location which is still being confirmed in Caerau between 24-31 March.

Council Leader Huw David said: “The resident who tested positive at the testing centre in Kenfig Hill was completely unaware that they were carrying the coronavirus as they had not experienced any of the associated symptoms.

“This demonstrates the value of community testing as a valuable part of the fight against the coronavirus in Bridgend County Borough, and I urge more residents to come forward and take part.

“The tests are fast, efficient and no booking is required. They are targeting people who are not already exhibiting symptoms of the virus, and who feel otherwise fit and well.     

“As it is possible for people who have been vaccinated to still carry the virus, the testing includes residents who may have already undergone a test or who have received a dose of the vaccine.

“At the centres, staff will show people to booths where they can carry out a swab test. As the swab will be processed upon the premises, participants will be contacted within 30 minutes with the results.

“If a positive result is recorded, the participant will be asked to self-isolate while arrangements are made for them to receive a confirmatory test along with further advice and support.

We have all made huge efforts in fighting the spread of coronavirus, and with the vaccination programme well underway, huge progress is being made.

Community testing forms an important part of this. Using data provided by Public Health Wales, it is intended to locate people in specific areas who may have coronavirus without even knowing it, and who may be unwittingly spreading it to their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and more.

We need as many people as possible to take part, and I urge residents to support these efforts, and to do their bit to help eradicate the coronavirus once and for all in Bridgend County Borough.

Council Leader Huw David

For more information, visit the community testing page at www.bridgend.gov.uk