A new government-backed lateral flow testing site has opened at County Hall in Trowbridge tomorrow.

Recently, rapid-testing sites have opened across the county in Devizes, Chippenham, Salisbury and now the county town, to support symptom-free testing for those not already covered under other government Covid-testing schemes.

The programme, in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, was initially aimed to testing asymptomatic people who work for small businesses – fewer than 50 staff – private early years settings and childminders.

However, it’s now been confirmed that university students can also make use of the rapid testing sites.

Testing sites are currently located at:

  • Chippenham, Monkton Park
  • Devizes Leisure Centre
  • Salisbury, Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre

Director of public health for Wiltshire, Kate Blackburn said: “Rapid community testing continues to be a useful tool at our disposal to help drive down case rates and break transmission.

“When used alongside an effective test and trace system and people isolating when they are required to, then these collective measures will have a positive impact and help us get back to a level of normality sooner rather than later.

“We knew when implementing these rapid symptom-free sites that the scope of them could change, and we’re pleased that university students have the opportunity to use them should they need to.”

Each of the four centres is open on weekdays with same-day appointments available, however, residents must book their tests in advance as no drop-ins will be accepted.

For more information on the four rapid-testing centres, please click here