New location for symptom-free Covid testing centre in Banbury

The asymptomatic lateral flow Covid testing centre in Banbury has been relocated.
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The symptom-free Covid testing site has moved from the Spiceball Leisure Centre in town to the Banbury United Football Club grounds.

The county council is working in partnership with the city and district councils to provide regular rapid testing for people without Covid-19 symptoms.

David Hawkes, the team leader for programme said: "We are now proud to be located at Banbury United Football Stadium

The symptom-free Covid testing site has moved from the Spiceball Leisure Centre in town to the Banbury United Football Club grounds.The symptom-free Covid testing site has moved from the Spiceball Leisure Centre in town to the Banbury United Football Club grounds.
The symptom-free Covid testing site has moved from the Spiceball Leisure Centre in town to the Banbury United Football Club grounds.

"With Lockdown lifting further on the 17th May and the pubs/restaurants letting us inside for the first time this year, together with the possibility of further lifting in June - It is now more important than ever to get regularly tested and keep cases of Covid-19 down.

"Here at the centre we are more than happy to either test you in the centre for free or provide you with home test kits.

"We recommend that you test twice a week, and to ensure that you are performing the test correctly. We would suggest at least one of the tests be in the presence of one of our trained testers at the centre.

"We are a committed, well trained team who want to help and ensure everyone in Banburyshire comes out of lockdown safely.

"Tests are free to everyone over the age of 16 and your results will come through to you after approximately 30 minutes.

"Whatever your occupation retail, transport or hospitality or even if you just want to feel safe when visiting your local, family or friends please feel free to come and get a test!"

The address for the new location of the symptom-free testing centre is Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium; Station Approach; Banbury: OX16 5AB.

It's hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 7pm and 8.30am to 12pm on Saturday. They close for lunch from 12.30 to 1pm Monday to Friday.

Home testing kits can also be collected during opening hours as well as a number of pharmacies across the county. Check which pharmacies offer this service by visiting maps.test-and-trace.nhs.ukA Covid testing centre where there are symptoms continues to operate from the Woodgreen Leisure Centre, Woodgreen Avenue, Banbury (OX16 0HS).

Primary school aged children should not use lateral flow tests. Anybody displaying symptoms should not get a lateral flow test and should instead self-isolate and book a PCR test at one of the testing sites above. For more information on how to book visit www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Public Health Director, Ansaf Azhar, is also reminding people of the importance of regular symptom-free testing and the range of different testing options available to make this as easy and convenient as possible.

He said: “I’m pleased to say that Covid levels in Oxfordshire have remained stable for the past few weeks.

"However, the number of people testing positive each week is more than 100, so the virus is still out there. The schools have now returned and shops are fully open and so we are closely monitoring the data locally and nationally to see if there is any sign of change.

“One of the key ways in which we can control the virus is through testing and I would encourage everyone to get tested twice a week. Anyone can pass on Covid – even those people who have had the vaccine – and so it’s really important that as many people get tested as possible to help us identify positive cases quickly, break the chain of transmission and stop the spread of the virus. Regular testing helps to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. So I would urge everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, to make twice-weekly testing a regular habit.

“Rapid Covid tests are quick and easy, with results provided in just half an hour. And there are plenty of ways in which you can get a free test, from visiting one of our testing centres to picking up a home testing kit from your local pharmacy or having one delivered straight to your door.

“Of course another major factor in keeping Covid at bay is abiding by the rules. Please don’t get bored with keeping the required distance from others, washing your hands regularly, wearing a face covering and not meeting in large groups.

“We are still consolidating our position in respect to Covid. Every single act of care and caution keeps Covid on the back foot and every time someone does those simple basic things they are playing their part in countering Covid. Please keep it up – it is working."

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