A NEW Coronavirus testing centre is being built in Barry this week.

The new facility, based on Colcot Road, will provide easy access to testing for those living in the town, and an alternative to travelling to Cardiff for the wider population of the Vale.

Construction of the Local Testing Site will begin 14 December and is due to be open to the public later in the week.

There are currently 344.3 cases per 100,000/7 days of the population in the Vale, with 15.8 per cent of those tested returning positive results.

Fiona Kinghorn, Executive Director for Public Health for Cardiff and the Vale, said:

"It is vitally important that anyone who is showing symptoms of coronavirus self-isolates immediately, along with their household, and gets a test.

"This is how we can stop the spread of the virus.

"This location has been chosen to making accessing testing as easy as possible for residents of the Vale.

"There is no risk of those attending for tests passing on the virus to the wider public as long as everyone continues to observe the standard guidance – keep more than two metres apart, wash your hands regularly, and wear a face covering when necessary.

"Our case rate is rising quickly and our health and social services are extremely busy. It is crucial that everyone who needs a test gets one.

"This is the only way that we can track and contain the virus until we've had a significant proportion of the population vaccinated and is the way in which we can all work together to protect our families and communities."

The new testing centre will be adjacent to Colcot Leisure Centre but will be a completely separate facility.

There will be separate entrance, exit and car parking arrangements. The testing centre will operate from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

The facility will operate via pedestrian access. A one-way system will be in place to ensure social distancing is maintained at all times.

As tests are by appointment only, it is not anticipated that large numbers of people will attend at any one time, however, should this occur members of staff will be on hand to manage access safely.

Testing will only be available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.

Tests can be booked in the normal way by calling 119 or online at gov.wales/coronavirus