Huge increase in coronavirus tests available in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire residents now have more ways to get themselves tested for the coronavirus COVID-19.

A new drive-through site in Welwyn Garden City is able to test at least an additional 600 people a day in the county and mail-order test supplies are keeping up with public demand.

Anyone in Hertfordshire with suspected coronavirus symptoms is encouraged to get themselves tested.

Residents who have a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste should either order a test kit to be sent to their home or book themselves a test at one of the drive-through centres.

The website to arrange a COVID-19 test for yourself or a family member is www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

For anyone who needs additional help to book a test, or who doesn’t have access to the internet, a telephone call centre is available – ring 119 between 7am and 11pm or 18001 0300

303 2713 if you have hearing or speech difficulties.

The call centre can also answer enquiries about the testing process and what to do once you have your result, or chase up any delayed results.

Drive-through testing is now available in Welwyn Garden City, Watford, Hertford and Stevenage.

The booking site will show the testing centres available for the next day and you should have your test done as soon as possible after your symptoms first develop.

The new regional drive-through testing facility at Tesco Headquarters in Shire Park in Welwyn Garden City is open every day from 8am to 8pm.

People can test themselves with the swabs provided or have a swab test carried out by a trained professional. The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat.

Please bring your mobile phone with you when you come to a testing centre.

If you have booked a test at Watford, please note that you may need to pay for parking as you wait.