First picture of new walk-through Covid-19 testing site in Aylesbury

This site is open for use by anyone who has coronavirus symptoms, and appointments must be booked first – it is not a ‘drop-in’ site.

However, with cases rising, anyone with even mild symptoms is being encouraged to arrange a test to help stop the spread of the virus. Symptoms include a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

The site is accessible on foot and bicycle, and these are the recommended ways to get there. People using the site are encouraged not to drive there if at all possible.

Anyone attending an appointment at the walk-through site will be given guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with extra support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Engagement at Buckinghamshire Council, said: “This new walk-through testing site in Aylesbury is great news for us as we continue to work together to stop the spread of coronavirus throughout the county. If you have any symptoms of coronavirus, no matter how mild, please do book a test.

“We know cases are on the rise here, as they are in the rest of the country, so it is vital we remain as vigilant as possible to protect the people around us and keep the virus under control. So please follow the guidance – hands, face, space, and the ‘rule of six’ if you are meeting anyone. And, if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace, please do follow the advice you are given – it will help to save lives.”

For more information about walk-through testing sites, you can watch this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcRw92bO8xg&t=50s.

Since 28 September, you could be fined if you do not stay at home and self-isolate following a positive test result for COVID-19 or if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and instructed to self-isolate. You can read the full guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection on the government website - https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.