Updates on vaccinations and mobile testing arrangements

Almost 186,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been given to people in Bridgend County Borough with over 82,000 in the area now fully vaccinated.

Latest figures from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board show that all adults (ages 18 and over) in the area have now at least been offered a first dose appointment.

More than 89 per cent of adults within the health board’s catchment area have already had their first dose and it is anticipated that the 75 per cent milestone for fully vaccinated adults will be achieved by the end of this week.

The health board says it remains committed that no one is left behind, and is encouraging more under-40s to come forward for their first dose.

Those who have not had their first dose can walk into a Covid-19 Community Vaccination Centre and have it done there and then. With no prior booking required, the walk-in appointments are available at the majority of community vaccination centres within the region. Anyone who wishes to take advantage of the first dose walk-in appointment will need to bring along a form of ID such as a passport, drivers licence or a utility bill for proof of address. 

This includes Ravens Court in Bridgend town centre (CF31 4AP) where the walk-in appointments will be available between 9.15am-4.30pm, Monday to Sunday.

Bookings for second-dose appointments are continuing and will run alongside the walk-in vaccinations as normal.

Free testing for Covid-19 is readily available at the site of the former Revlon (Cosi) factory at Oakwood Drive in Maesteg (CF34 9TS) where it is operating as a drive-through facility between 9am-6pm.

A walk-through testing centre also remains available at the Bowls Hall car park in Angel Street, Bridgend (CF31 4AH) between 2pm-8pm for people with symptoms.

To use either of the sites, you must book an appointment by visiting the Welsh Government website or by calling 119. If you have hearing or speech difficulties, you can call 18001119 to arrange an appointment.

You can also collect lateral flow tests for home use from the Bowls Hall car park facility between 8am-1pm, seven days a week. Many pharmacies are also offering free lateral flow self-test kits.

While the number of vaccinations is certainly good news, we cannot ignore the fact that cases of coronavirus are rising across the county borough. It is important now to pull together as a community to protect friends and family. Covid-19 has not gone away and it is important that we continue to remain vigilant and take every precaution to ensure that we do not further the spread of the virus.

Anyone who feels generally unwell or has symptoms such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste should arrange a PCR test immediately and self-isolate at home.

Mobile testing forms an important part of our efforts to combat Covid-19 and these arrangements are being constantly reviewed, so look out for further announcements soon.

Council leader Huw David