Asymptomatic testing centre opening in Newtown

A new rapid testing service for people without COVID-19 symptoms is coming to Newtown for four weeks from June 7.

People living, working and studying in the Newtown area can drop in to the Park Street Day Centre from 10am-6pm, seven days a week for a free test.

This pilot programme will help Powys Teaching Health Board and Powys County Council to understand more about the spread of coronavirus in the county, and to prevent future outbreaks.

Stuart Bourne, Director of Public Health for Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “We know that one-in-three people can have coronavirus without displaying the classic symptoms of fever (high temperature), new continuous cough and loss of or change to sense of smell or taste. So, this programme will help us gather a very comprehensive picture of Coronavirus in the Newtown area. The information we gather will help us to Keep Powys Safe, we hope it will support us all to further steps to the ease restrictions on our daily life.

“Whilst Coronavirus cases in the Newtown area are currently very low, we also know that new variants are a continuing threat for all of us in Wales. Testing people without symptoms (asymptomatic testing) is a useful tool to identify any new variants and help us stop them in their tracks.”

The asymptomatic testing centre will use Lateral Flow Devices to check for the presence of Coronavirus. Anyone who tests positive use the Lateral Flow Device will be referred to the town's testing centre for a PCR test.

Cllr Beverley Baynham, Powys County Council Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said: “A key benefit in choosing Newtown as the location of our asymptomatic testing centre is the ability to refer people quickly for a PCR test in the town.

“We are encouraging everyone to come along and take the test. Our centre is open seven days a week from 10am-6pm until July 4.” 

All of Wales is at alert level 2, and it remains vital for all of us to continue to follow the latest guidance to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. This includes following social distancing rules and wearing a face covering.

The developments of the centre is a joint project between Powys Teaching Health Board, Powys County Council, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Welsh Government.

People with symptoms should continue to book a test at the testing centres across Powys or request a test by post by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119 (7am-11pm). People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001 119.