Buckinghamshire Council - hybrid coronavirus testing site in Slough

Press Release from Buckinghamshire Council

24 June 2020

Buckinghamshire residents can use new ‘hybrid’ coronavirus testing site in Slough

​

The first hybrid walk-in and drive-in coronavirus testing centre in the country is being set up in Slough this week, and will be available for use by neighbouring areas including Buckinghamshire.

The testing centre is expected to be operational from Wednesday afternoon (24 June) and will be in place for the foreseeable future.

It will be based in the Montem Car Park, Montem Lane (off the A4 Bath Road) and anyone with symptoms – and, for the first time, people who are not symptomatic but concerned they may be infected – will be able visit for a test either by foot or in a car.

The site is being provided by the Department for Health and Social Care and facilitated by Slough Borough Council.

The centre will be open both for those who wish to make an appointment and for those who just want to drop-in. People are warned that drop-ins may have to wait slightly longer, however.

If coming by car:

• Up to four people can come in the same vehicle
• All ages can attend
• Tests will be administered by visitors, under the guidance of trained testing staff
• There is no geographical restriction on where people can visit from
• Actual testing should take between 15 and 30 minutes

If walking:

• All attendees over the age of three must wear face coverings or they will not be able to get tested
• Children three and under need not wear masks
• A special area for testing is available for those who do not wish to remove face coverings in public
• A curtained area is available
• Parents are welcome to bring children
• Actual testing should take between 15 and 30 minutes

Josie Wragg, Chief Executive of Slough Borough Council, said: “We are proud to be facilitating, not only a site with huge capacity for testing but also one which is the first hybrid site in the country – where people can drive and walk in with no appointment.”

Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Engagement at Buckinghamshire Council, said: “This new site is a great addition to regional testing capabilities, and is particularly good news for people in the south of Buckinghamshire. We would encourage anyone with coronavirus symptoms, or who is concerned they may have them, to get tested. As aspects of lockdown continue to be eased, it is vital we continue to work together to stop the spread of coronavirus.”

To book a test, go to www.gov.uk/coronavirus and click on the appropriate link for you within the ‘testing’ section of information. The booking process is slightly different for members of the public to that for essential workers.

This site is in addition to other local and regional coronavirus testing sites (both permanent and mobile), which are still available for residents in Buckinghamshire to use

​