New Covid-19 testing centre set to open in Gwynedd this week

A new testing centre will open on Tuesday in Dolgellau to make it easier for people in the Meirionnydd area to get an appointment for a Covid-19 test closer to home.

The service is for individuals who believe they have symptoms, and you should only attend if you have one or more of the following:

•    a high temperature;

•    a new, continuous cough;

•    a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

The testing facility has been set-up on the Marian in Dolgellau and will be in operation for the next two to three weeks.

Plans are in place to move the mobile facility to other locations in the Meirionnydd area of the county to help ensure that access to testing is available as close to home as possible.

 Leader of Gwynedd Council, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn, said: “As a council, we are pleased to work with our health partners on this temporary testing centre in Dolgellau.

 “It is a difficult time for anyone who has symptoms of the virus, and we hope that locating a unit in Meirionnydd will benefit residents of this part of the county as we work to stop the spread of Covid-19 and protecting our health and care services.

 “The unit will be for members of the public who have made an appointment, and we would remind residents that the facilities are only for those people who have symptoms.

“This will help to ease pressure for our health partners who are already working very hard to support our local communities.

“I would also remind residents to continue following the rules to keep the Covid-19 infection rate down.

“We can all play our part by social distancing, washing hands and wearing face coverings where required.”

 Teresa Owen, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s Executive Director of Public Health, added: “We are pleased to be working with Gwynedd Council to offer residents in the Meirionnydd area, who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, access to a test at our temporary Mobile Testing Unit in Dolgellau.

 “This will ensure that residents in this area can access testing closer to where they live.

 “COVID-19 is still circulating within our communities and it’s important that anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 must self-isolate immediately and book a test.”

The testing facility will be open to people to use as a drive-in centre or to visit on-foot, but will only be open to those with an appointment. Signs will be in-place to direct the public to the facility.

 Anyone attending the testing centre should wear a face covering, keep it on when communicating with staff on the site.

Those visiting by car should keep their windows raised until asked to lower them – this will help to keep everyone safe.

The testing centre will be open 9.30am – 3.30pm seven days a week from Tuesday, 1 December, and details about how to apply for a test can be found on https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test

 The testing facility has been established by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in partnership with Gwynedd Council, Public Health Wales and the UK Government Department of Health and Social Care.

 The Dolgellau centre follows the establishment of a facility at Ysbyty Alltwen in Tremadog and a testing Centre on Dean Street in Bangor.