Due to the rapidly rising infection rates both nationally and locally, and the new strains of the virus making it spread a lot quicker than before, more testing measures are being introduced in Torbay to protect the community.

The Department of Health and Social Care opened a new testing site on 14 January in the car park of Torbay Leisure Centre in Paignton. This is now the main testing site for Torbay, and is situated to be easily accessible.

The existing mobile testing unit at Lymington Road in Torquay is still available on selected dates until at least 28 January, and updates will be provided on any service changes.

Also, home testing kits are also now available for up to four people in a household.

Appointments at the testing sites are available every day for people with symptoms and those who have been asked to get tested by a medical professional.

The symptoms of COVID are one or more of the following:

• a fever or high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Anyone with these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

They will be sent a home testing kit on request, or given an appointment at one of the local testing centres.

Parking is available on both sites and instructions on driving or walking to the centre will be provided when registering for a test.

Those being tested are required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practicing good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts. This will help to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

More information on all of the testing facilities in Torbay is available at:

https://www.torbay.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/public-health/coronavirus/testing/

Torbay Council Leader, Steve Darling said:

“We welcome the new Local Testing Site in Torbay, which is in addition to the Mobile Testing Unit and Home Testing, giving Torbay residents three ways to get tested and thereby help contain the virus.

“I urge anyone with COVID symptoms to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted, to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”

Torbay Council Deputy Leader, Darren Cowell said

“We’re pleased to be support the Department of Health and Social Care by hosting the new Local Testing Site at Torbay Leisure Centre, which is open every day between 8am and 8pm.

“If we can contain this virus, we can work together towards getting back to a more normal way of life in Torbay.”