Reading COVID testing sites to relocate

COVID testing facilities in Reading are relocating ensuring residents have continued access to testing.

• The Prospect Park test site will close on October 25 and relocate to Battle Street Car Park opening 12pm October 28.
• University of Reading, London Road Campus test site will close on October 15 and relocate to Car Park 11, Whiteknights Campus (accessible from Pepper Lane), opening 8am October 18.

The local testing sites will be pedestrian access only and easily accessible without a car. Those being tested will be required to social distance, not travel by taxi or public transport and wear a face covering throughout (including travelling to and from the testing centre). Testing is available for everyone, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Anyone with COVID symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test at the local testing sites, tests should be booked as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus, by calling 119 or via the NHS COVID-19 app, you can expect your result the next day.

The testing facilities will be open seven days a week for anyone with COVID symptoms, opening times 8am to 8pm. Testing will be for pre-booked appointments only, those turning up without an appointment will not be tested.

Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing facility will be provided with guidance at the time of booking on getting to and from the test site safely. 

Councillor Graeme Hoskin, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Health, said: “The Council have worked really hard to ensure residents have local COVID testing facilities in place to help combat the pandemic.”

“The relocated testing facilities will continue to provide residents in Reading with easy access to testing on their doorstep.”

“I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to residents for continuing to get tested and helping to prevent transmission of the virus in our community.”

“Alongside testing, vaccination is an essential part of controlling COVID, we are urging residents to get the vaccine, it’s important we have as high a vaccination rate here in Reading as possible, especially as we head into the winter months.”

“The simple and very effective measures are still so very important of washing your hands frequently especially when you return home will help to protect you and your families from catching or transmitting the virus.”

Residents who are unable to walk to the local testing sites for a COVID test will be able to request a home testing kit is sent to them or provided with options of their nearest drive-through test site at their time of booking a test.

The Prospect Park test site needed to relocate as the exciting plans for the new play hub and activity centre at Prospect Park move forward and the University test site needed to relocate to allow graduation ceremonies to commence in the Great Hall.

NOTES

Everyone with symptoms can book or order a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus. Those unable to access the internet can call 119.

The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat, which can be done by the person themselves (self-administered) or by someone else (assisted). Those being tested may experience some mild discomfort but it should not hurt.

Anyone taking a test at a test site can expect their results the next day.