THE last of the county’s local coronavirus testing sites has opened.

The new testing site in Great Malvern opened today (November 27) and is the last of the local testing sites to open in Worcestershire which offer tests for local residents that is closer to where they live and offers more choice for those who don’t have access to a car.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

Residents will still need to book online to use the centre.

Testing is available for those with coronavirus symptoms such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste. You should get a test even if you feel well and your symptoms are mild.

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms, should book a test using either nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of Public Health for Worcestershire said: “We now have a local testing site in each of our districts. This means there is more choice of where to get a test for residents across Worcestershire.

“There are plenty of appointments available and getting a test is very quick and straight forward. To get a test at any of the county’s sites, you just need to go online or phone 119 and book an appointment.

“If you think you have coronavirus symptoms, even if they are mild and you feel well, do not delay in booking your test. By doing this you will be helping to control the virus and getting us closer to returning to a more normal way of life.”

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council said: “It is really good to see the final testing site in coming into operation. All the local sites offer residents across the county more choice and opportunities to get a coronavirus test quickly and easily no matter where they live. Do not delay in getting a test if you have symptoms. By getting a test you will be helping to protect others around you and stop the spread of the virus.”

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin said: “Locally and nationally, we have made enormous strides getting testing capacity up from 2,000 a day in March to over 500,000 now and I’m delighted that this new test centre in Malvern will add further capacity.

“We need as much testing as possible if we are able to slow the spread of this virus so that we can isolate those who are infectious rather than isolate the whole UK economy.

“It is important that people know that it is now so much easier to get a test if you have symptoms, and while this test centre is in a convenient location, you do still need to book ahead.”