New ‘easy access’ testing facility for Wrexham to open tomorrow

A testing station will open this week to make it easier for people in Wrexham to get a Covid-19 test.

The easy-access facility will be based at the Memorial Hall at Bodhyfryd (LL12 7AG) starting from tomorrow (Thursday, October 15), and will stay there until further notice.

For the first two days – from Thursday, October 15 to Friday, October 16 – the unit will operate on a ‘walk in’ basis but that will change.

If you have any symptoms, you can go there between 9am and 5pm and get a test.

You don’t need an appointment – just turn up.

After the first two days – from Saturday onwards – you will need an appointment. The Welsh Government website tells you how to apply for a test here.

You can also apply for a test using the NHS Covid-19 app on your phone.

While you’re waiting for a test or your results, you are of course asked to follow the self-isolation guidance on the Welsh Government website. If you do test positive, you’ll be given advice by contact tracers at Wrexham Council. They’ll advise you on how long to isolate for and what support you can get to help you through the isolation period.

They’ll also ask for your help in tracing people you’ve been in close contact with recently.

Wrexham Council say, “As well as making it easier and more convenient for local people to get tested, the move will help health professionals and contact tracers identify cases more quickly helping to stem the spread of the virus in Wrexham.”

“Cases are rising rapidly across most of North Wales at the moment, and today’s figures from Public Health Wales show Wrexham has 186 cases per 100k population (based on a seven-day rolling basis).”

“That’s a huge increase on 33 per 100k reported just over two weeks ago.”

Councillor Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, says: “We’re working with our partners to provide easy-access testing in Wrexham, and I would encourage anyone with symptoms to take advantage of the facility at the Memorial Hall.

“For the first two days – this Thursday and Friday – you won’t need an appointment and the process is quick and easy.

“But from Saturday onwards, you’ll need an appointment.

“As well as offering convenience for local people, the extra testing will help the council and its partners identify cases more quickly making it easier to contain the virus.”

The work is being co-ordinated by Public Health Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr NHS Trust, the UK Government Department of Health and Social Care, Wrexham Council and other partners, with support from local voluntary sector organisation AVOW and community groups.

Just like in other parts of the country, the testing station will be managed by the army.

Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, adds: “I’ve had conversations with the First Minister and Health Minister at Welsh Government, as well as at WLGA meetings, about bringing a testing centre to Wrexham, and so I’m pleased this has come to fruition.

“Public Health Wales, the NHS, DHSC, the council and our partners are here to support you. Let’s help keep Wrexham, our families and communities safe and well.

“We still have a long way to go in this fight against the virus, but by doing the right thing, you’re making a huge difference. Thank you.”

Top pic: The Memorial Hall with the soon to be knocked down police tower.