Collect and Drop sites will stay open into next week for drop-off
The community surge testing programme set up to investigate a change in the coronavirus in Bristol and South Gloucestershire ends this weekend.
Between the period Sunday 7 February and today (Friday 19 February) over 36,500 tests and counting have been completed across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Eligible residents are being urged to get a test before the programme closes on Sunday 21 February.
Christina Gray, Director for Public Health in Bristol said: “I want to say thank you to everyone for your participation in the community surge testing programme that has taken place over the last two weeks. But remember: there is still time for you to get a test if you are eligible.
“We’re encouraging anyone who lives, works or has a support bubble in the specified postcodes and is over the age of 16, to please get a test before the end of the weekend. We’re extending the opening days of some of our Collect and Drop sites to Wednesday 24 February to make sure as many tests as possible are returned.
“If you are a Bristol resident and need help accessing a test, please call the We Are Bristol helpline on 0800 694 0184. The more completed tests we have returned to us, the more we can learn about this change in the virus and stem the spread of infection in our communities.”
Sarah Weld, Deputy Director for Public Health in South Gloucestershire said: “We’ve seen thousands of people over the last two weeks turn up to get tested and help protect themselves and the ones they love. We want you to know there is still time to get tested if you are eligible, and there are support systems in place to help you get access.
“South Gloucestershire residents who are unable to attend a test site or do not have neighbours, family or friends that can collect or return a home test kit on their behalf, can request for their test kit to be returned on their behalf by calling 01454 86 4040.
“Parish councils and mutual aid groups are also available to support you. Details of these groups can be found by searching for ‘get help and support’ on the South Gloucestershire Council website.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped to protect our communities.”
Home testing kits are available from six Collect and Drop sites in Bristol, which are open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. The last day to collect a test in Bristol is Saturday, 20 February.
All Collect and Drop sites in Bristol will remain open until 4pm on Wednesday 24 February for drop-off of completed tests:
- Fishponds Library, Robinson House, Hockey’s Lane, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3HL
- Henleaze Library, 30 Northumbria Drive, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4HP
- Junction 3 Library, 138b Lower Ashley Road, Easton, Bristol, BS5 0FJ
- Whitchurch Library, 7 Oatlands Ave, Bristol, BS14 0SX
- Wick Road Library, Wick Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 4HE
- Marksbury Road Library, Marksbury Road, BS3 5LG
Home testing kits are available from seven sites in South Gloucestershire, which are open Monday to Sunday, 9am-5pm. The last day to collect a test in South Gloucestershire is Sunday 21 February.
Four collect and Drop sites in South Gloucestershire will remain open until 5pm on Wednesday 24 February for drop-off of completed tests:
- Emersons Green Library, Emersons Way, Emersons Green, BS16 7AP
- Downend Library, Buckingham Gardens, Downend, BS16 5TW
- Shireway Community Centre, Shire Way, Yate, BS37 8YS
- Staple Hill Library, Broad Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5LS
Six surge testing Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) are open every day in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, 9am to 6pm. The last day to get a test is Sunday 21 February:
- Bristol and Bath Science Park, Dirac Crescent, Emersons Green, BS16 7FR
- Bristol City Council Testing Centre, 17-18 Wellington Road, BS2 9DA
- Imperial Retail Park, Hartcliffe Way, BS13 7TJ
- Shaftsbury Park, Frenchay Park Road, BS16 1LG
- The Imperial Sports Ground, West Town Lane, BS14 9EA
- Yate Common, Westerleigh Road, BS37 8RZ
All testing kits must be registered either through the GOV.UK website or by ringing 119 for free between 7am and 11pm. For people with hearing or speech difficulties, call 18001119.
When a test is handed back in to the Collect and Drop site, it will be processed in a laboratory. Results will then be sent out via email or text.
If your test comes back as positive, you and everyone in your household/support bubble must self-isolate for 10 days. If it comes back negative, you must still follow COVID-19 rules.
If you need support to self-isolate please call:
- We Are Bristol Support line 0800 694 0184 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 2pm), translation service available
- Deaf BSL users can contact the phoneline through a BSL Interpreter using SignVideo
- South Gloucestershire Freephone COVID-19 enquiries line 0800 953 7778
For more information about the community surge testing programme and a list of the postcodes eligible for testing please visit the Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council websites.
