A NEW coronavirus test centre is to open in Worcester, one of five new walk through ones set to arrive across the county before the end of November.

We previously reported four centres were planned, and now it has emerged there will be a fifth for county residents to use.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director for public health for Worcestershire, said: “We have been working with partners across the county and Department for Health and Social Care to find locations for additional local walk-through testing sites in each of the districts of Worcestershire.

“One of the first to come in to use, will be located in Redditch. The site in Trescott Road car park should be operational by Monday 26th October if a pilot day on Friday 23rd October confirms the site is ready to use. The walk-through testing sites, which include Worcester Arena car park on the University of Worcester site, due to start operating next week, will offer local options for testing for all Worcestershire residents.

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"There will be five new walk-through testing sites available throughout Worcestershire by the end of November. In addition, they can be accessed on foot offering more choice for those who don’t drive or have access to a vehicle."

“The local walk through testing sites, provide the opportunity to be tested much nearer to where you live. These are not walk in centres and tests must be booked online at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

“If you book an appointment at a local walk through testing site please avoid using public transport and instead walk or cycle if you can. Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing and wearing a face covering while at the centre.

“By expanding our local testing sites and offering the extra ‘on foot’ option, we are making it even easier for people to get a test when they need it.”