Mobile testing resumes after weekend of severe weather
Poster information
Posted on: Tuesday 06 October 2020
The walk-in Covid-19 mobile testing unit is up and running again in the Bowls Hall car park of Bridgend Life Centre following a temporary closure caused by extreme weather.
Heavy rain and strong winds over the recent weekend forced the facility to temporarily close in order to avoid potential problems with electrical equipment as well as preventing people from having to queue for long periods in the adverse weather conditions.
The mobile facility opened again as soon as it was deemed safe to do so, and is now available seven days a week between 9am-5pm once more.
Council Leader Huw David said: “The mobile testing facility is proving to be extremely helpful, and in its first three days of operation, it supported more than 525 people who queued to make use of its services.
“The Bowls Hall car park was chosen as the site for the unit because it offers ample car parking and a measure of shelter while also remaining suitably ventilated, but even this wasn’t enough to counter the extreme weather conditions that we all experienced over the weekend.
“As this unfortunately forced a temporary closure upon the service, we are exploring alternative locations so that this does not reoccur.
“I’m pleased to see that the mobile testing centre is back up and running again, and is continuing to support residents of Bridgend County Borough as part of our efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19.
“Please only visit the test centre if you are displaying symptoms of coronavirus such as a high temperature, a new, persistent cough, or a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell, and remember to wear a mask.
“On arrival, you will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, address and mobile phone number, and health professionals will guide you through the process.
“Once the test has been completed, you should return home immediately to self-isolate until the results have been confirmed.
“While most people will receive their results via text message the day after taking a test, some results may take a little longer.”
To help support people in using the mobile facility, a series of frequently asked questions have been made available at www.bridgend.gov.uk.