PEOPLE in Aberystwyth with symptoms of coronavirus can access testing via a temporary walk-in facility in the town from today (Wednesday, September 30).

Hywel Dda University Health Board has arranged this extra testing service in addition to the drive-through facility already in place at Canolfan Rheidol, because many residents in the town, including students, do not have their own private vehicle to access the drive-through testing facility.

A number of cases have been reported among students by Aberystwyth University, which in a statement said: “Since students have started returning for the new academic year, 12 cases of Covid-19 among students have been confirmed to us

“Aberystwyth University has taken the decision to suspend in-person teaching temporarily. This has been a difficult call which is partly driven by uncertainty surrounding the scale of spread within our community.

The new walk-in testing facility, which is available by booked appointment only, is in the former university nursery building (behind, but not connected to, Padarn Surgery), Penglais Road, Aberystwyth.

Alison Shakeshaft, director of therapies & health science at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “We have put this extra facility in place to make sure those in the local community without their own transport are not missing out on getting a test when they need it.

“We appreciate the efforts people are making to help protect each other during this challenging time. I urge everyone to remain vigilant and follow the rules, including wearing face coverings where required, keep social distancing, washing hands regularly, or using a hand sanitiser if hand washing is not possible, to help us live and work alongside the virus whilst containing its spread.”

Eifion Evans, Ceredigion County Council chief executive said: “We thank Hywel Dda University Health Board for providing extra testing service in Ceredigion.

“Residents and students alike are urged to utilise this service for the health of everyone living in our county and we are able to protect the vulnerable. This is a critical time for us to follow the rules and keep Ceredigion safe.”

Anyone who has symptoms of the virus (a new persistent cough, high temperature or loss/change of taste or smell) should book a test as soon as possible through the online UK portal at www.gov.wales/coronavirus.

When booking a test, people should select the option they need (for example, only book the walk-in centre if you are not able to travel in your own vehicle to the drive through facility). If you attend the walk-in centre you must wear a face covering.

University students with COVID-19 symptoms, when booking a test, are required to provide the temporary local address they are living at while they are students at Aberystwyth University and not their usual home address.

People are asked not to book a test if they do not have Covid-19 symptoms and do not turn up without booking first as it will not be possible to accommodate you without an appointment.