Second Covid-19 testing centre finishes successful first week of operation in Banbury

The second testing centre opened at the Spiceball Leisure Centre in town on Monday February 8.

A spokesperson for Cherwell District Council said the testing centre at the Spiceball is only for eligible key workers who don’t have Covid-19 symptoms, and is by invitation only.

The new testing centre for key workers is by appointment only.

The list of those currently eligible for a test can be found on the county's website through the following web link: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/symptomfreetesting

The Spiceball Leisure Centre posted an update on its Facebook page on how well the testing is going so far which said: "Having successfully completed the first week running the test centre at Spiceball, staff have been happy to welcome lots of non-symptomatic customers through the doors for their tests.

"Working in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, the tests are now being offered to a larger variety of job roles, which include blue light services, early years practitioners and adult and child social care workers, to name a few.

"Please check with your employer to see if you are eligible to be tested regularly. We are ready and waiting to get our community tested."

The hours of operation for the new testing centre are 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday.

Cherwell District Council officials would also like to remind people of the main Woodgreen testing centre, which is for anyone with Covid-19 symptoms and is booked through the national NHS system.

Anyone who is showing Covid-19 symptoms can book a test through the following web link: nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.)

The walk-through testing centre for Banbury is at the Woodgreen Leisure Centre opened in November 2020.

Testing is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.