The criteria for the weekly drive-thru coronavirus testing centre in Watford has updated to include more people.
Weekly pop-up testing sites in Hertfordshire will continue operating this weekend - but anyone requiring a test must book online on the government website.
Now, people who are being told to go back to work because they can’t work from home can also be eligible for a test.
These workers must be in the first three days of having coronavirus symptoms.
This is because the tests are only effective if people are swabbed in the first three days of having suspected coronavirus symptom. The tests cannot detect whether somebody has had coronavirus in the past - symptoms are a fever and/or a cough.
Who is eligible to be tested at the drive-thru centres?
• People who have to go out to work because they can’t work from home and are in the first three days of having coronavirus symptoms.
• People aged 65 and older who are in the first three days of having suspected coronavirus symptoms
• NHS staff, social care staff and essential workers (defined by the government at www.gov.uk/coronavirus) who re in the first three days of having coronavirus symptoms.
• NHS staff, social care staff and essential workers who are self-isolating for 14 days because a household member has suspected coronavirus symptoms.
• Anyone aged over five years old in the first three days of having coronavirus symptoms who lives with anyone listed above.
Where are the drive-thru centres I can visit?
Watford
Watford Leisure Centre Central, Hempstead Road, Watford, WD17 3HA.
It will be there every Sunday 10am - 4pm
Stevenage
Hertfordshire County Council's office, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2ST
It will be there every Monday 10am-4pm
Hertford
County Hall, Hertford, SG13 8DQ
It will be there every Saturday 10am -4pm
Wembley
IKEA 2 Drury Way, N Circular Rd, London NW10 0TH
Drive-thru testing available everyday
Stansted Airport
Bassingbourn Road, Stansted CM24 1QW
Drive-thru testing available everyday
What happens at the drive-thru centre?
You’ll stay in your vehicle during your visit.
An assistant can do the swab test for you, or you can choose to do it yourself (instructions will be given).
You’ll receive your test results by text message. Most people get their results within 48 hours, but it could take up to five days.
How do I book a drive-thru test?
You must book online on the government website. If you are visiting the testing centre in Watford, you will need to apply for a test the day earlier on the Saturday.
If you are visiting Stevenage, you must apply on on the Sunday, and if you are visiting Hertford, you must apply on the Friday.
This is because the online booking system will only show you details of test locations which are available in the following 24 hours.
A maximum of 250 tests a day can be taken at the Hertfordshire locations.
To book a test, go online to www.gov.uk/coronavirus and enter your details. You will be sent a booking code.
What if I don't drive?
To visit a drive-thru testing centre, you must be in a vehicle. If you do not drive, you can order for a test to be delivered to your home.
Dr Jim McManus from Public Health Hertfordshire says the number of mail-order coronavirus tests for Hertfordshire residents has increased.
Only those who meet the criteria stated at the top of this article are eligible for a home test.
Visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus to request a test to be delivered to your home.
Other testing centres for NHS/social care staff
West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust has its own dedicated coronavirus testing centre for staff at Watford General Hospital.
For NHS, social care and care home or nursing home staff only, and members of their household, displaying symptoms of coronavirus, you can visit:
Howard Court, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1BW
Harpenden Memorial Hospital, Harpenden, AL5 4TA
Transport is provided to take staff who do not have access to a car to either Howard Court or Harpenden Memorial Hospital to be tested.
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