Community testing: additional COVID-19 ‘surge’ testing – bristol.gov.uk
Postcode sectors
You can get tested at our new asymptomatic testing sites if you live in the following postcode sectors:
BS1 3
BS2 0
BS2 8
BS2 9
BS3 5
BS4 4
BS5 6
BS5 7
BS6 5
BS8 2
BS9 4
BS5 0
BS6 6
BS14 9
BS16 1
BS16 2
BS16 3
BS16 5
BS16 6
BS16 7
BS16 9
BS37 8
BS8 3 (only within Bristol City Council boundary – check yours at www.gov.uk/find-local-council)
BS14 0 (only within Bristol City Council boundary – check yours at www.gov.uk/find-local-council)
Message from the Mayor:
From today (Sunday 7 February) we introduced additional community testing, also known as ‘surge’ testing, to help us learn more about the mutated COVID-19 variant in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
This additional community testing will act to help reduce the spread of infection by finding asymptomatic cases and prompting people to self-isolate. The one-off testing will use PCR tests, which are analysed in laboratories, rather than lateral flow tests (also known as rapid tests).
This testing is available to people living in specific postcodes and is running for two weeks from today (Sunday 7 February). It is open to those aged 16 and over, who do not have any symptoms of COVID-19.
The testing programme includes new mobile testing units (also known as MTUs), which are sites where you can drive-through or walk-up to take a test. There will soon also be locations where people can collect and return testing kits and the delivery of testing kits to homes in certain areas.
Together with South Gloucestershire Council – and only since Friday night when the Government confirmed it wanted us to launch this additional testing – our teams on the ground and partner agencies in public health have been working really hard to get these systems set up quickly and effectively for residents. I understand that some of you may be feeling concerned or anxious about this new testing, and I want to reassure all of you that the actions we’re taking are to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Today, just 36 hours after we first found out that testing was needed, over 2,000 tests were carried out across all three sites. To those who attended, I would like to thank you for responding so positively and in some cases being prepared to wait whilst we worked to meet demand. We are extremely grateful to everyone for playing their part in helping to prevent the spread of the virus and protect our city. The sites will be back open at 9am tomorrow morning.
The presence of the mutated UK variant shouldn’t change what you are already doing – we should all keep following the national lockdown rules. It’s really important that we all do the most we can do to keep ourselves and each other safe, by following the public health guidance: wash your hands, cover your face and keep space from others.
Thank you and stay safe.
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol
New mobile testing units
| Who are they for? If you are over-16, live in one of the identified postcode areas above, and do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 (this is also referred to as being ‘asymptomatic’), you can get a coronavirus test at one of our new mobile test sites. Where and when? Additional community testing is running from today (Sunday 7 February) for two weeks. There are three new test sites: Bristol and Bath Science Park, Dirac Crescent, Emersons Green, BS16 7FR – 9am – 4pm Bristol City Council Testing Centre, 17-18 Wellington Road, BS2 9DA – 9am – 3pm Imperial Retail Park, Hartcliffe Way, BS13 7TJ – 9am – 3pm How? At the test site you should wear a face covering and follow social distancing. You do not currently need to book or to bring ID or proof of address. |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Q. Do I need to book a slot? You do not need to book an appointment, although there may be a booking process introduced soon. More details will be made available in the coming days. Q. Are the sites walk-in or drive-through? All three sites accommodate either walk-in or drive-through testing services. Q. I can’t access these sites for medical reasons/because I’m shielding. What do I do? We realise that not everyone can get to a test site so other ways for eligible people to get a test during this time will be made available shortly. Q. What test will I have if I visit the site? Standard PCR tests will be used at these testing sites. These types of tests involve a swab of the nose and throat and are sent off to laboratories to be analysed. Q. An existing test site for people with symptoms is closer to me. Can I go there? No. If you do not have symptoms and live in an area which is eligible, you must use the new sites which have been set up for this purpose. This is to help keep you safe. Q. How and when will people be informed of the results? People will be informed whether or not they have a positive test result by text or email via NHS Test and Trace. Most people get their result the next day, but it may take up to 3 days. Q. Do you have to isolate after having on one of these tests? No. You should follow standard guidance and only self-isolate if you test positive, have any symptoms, or are contact traced following contact with someone who tests positive. |