Latest arrangements for mobile testing and vaccinations in Bridgend County Borough

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has confirmed that its vaccination and mobile testing centres are expected to remain open in in Bridgend County Borough this weekend in the face of a new Met Office weather warning.

While a previous weather warning resulted in snow and thick ice last weekend and the closure of local facilities, the new alert is not expected to affect the county borough as severely.

The drive-through testing centre at the site of the former Revlon / Cosi factory off Oakwood Drive in Maesteg (CF34 8TS) has been extended until Thursday 4 February and will remain available between 9am-4pm.

The long term walk-through testing facility at the Bowls Hall car park of Bridgend Life Centre in Angel Street, Bridgend (CF31 4AH) will also remain available between 8am to 8pm.

Booking is essential at both facilities, and you can find out more and arrange an appointment by visiting the Welsh Government website or calling 119. People with hearing or speech difficulties can book an appointment by calling 18001119.

Bridgend County Borough’s vaccination centre will also remain available. Latest figures have confirmed that 53,202 people have now received their first shot of the coronavirus vaccine across the region, including more than 14,600 residents of Bridgend County Borough.

Work to vaccinate health and social care frontline workers is ongoing, and the health board is working with GPs to ensure that vulnerable people who are housebound or who may be shielding can receive a vaccination before 14 February.

Mobile vaccination teams have visited all care homes in the county borough, and residents and staff have been assessed.

All care home residents who have been declared medically fit have received their first dose, and plans are in place for the teams to return and vaccinate anyone who was not well enough to receive it the first time around, with vaccination sessions continuing throughout the weekend.

GPs are focusing upon people aged 70 and over, and based on current vaccine supply information, the health board anticipates that up to 25 per cent of this priority group will have received their first dose of the vaccine by Sunday 31 January.

Council Leader Huw David said: “It remains important for anyone who is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus to make sure they arrange for a free test, either by visiting the mobile facility or by using the longer-term testing site in Bridgend town centre.

“The vaccination programme is continuing to target the most vulnerable and exposed members of the community, and local GP surgeries are contacting people when it is their turn to receive a dose.

“While the forecasted severe weather is unlikely to affect Bridgend County Borough, the health board will be keeping a close eye on the situation, and you can check the Cwm Taf website for more details.

“Don’t forget that you can also check for symptoms of coronavirus by visiting the NHS 111 Wales website, and book an appointment at a local testing facility by going to the Welsh Government website or calling 119.

“If you have hearing or speech difficulties, you can arrange an appointment by calling 18001119.”