MORE than 7,500 rapid lateral flow test (LFT) kits were handed out from the asymptomatic testing centre that was set up to test visitors attending this year’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair without a Covid pass.

The centre, located at the Royal Welsh Showground while the Winter Fair took place, was organised by Powys County Council and Powys Teaching Health Board, who have been leading the county's approach to Test Trace Protect, in partnership with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.

A total of 77 people were tested at the centre over the two days and only one person tested positive. The individual was advised to follow Welsh Government advice by booking a PCR test and self-isolate.

While operating, rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths visited the centre and spoke to staff and thanked those involved in Test Trace Protest for their work throughout the pandemic. The minister was welcomed to the centre by Councillor Rosemarie Harris, the leader of Powys County Council.

“We are very grateful to the minister for visiting the centre during the Winter Fair to meet our hard-working staff in the Test Trace Protect programme,” said Cllr Harris.

“The Winter Fair is an important event that attracts visitors from across Wales and beyond and we’re proud that it takes place in our county. However, we continue to feel the impact of the pandemic so we need to ensure that these events are held safely.

“The asymptomatic testing centre was important to test those who did not have a Covid pass and check that they did not carry coronavirus. This way, all visitors enjoyed the Winter Fair safely and we did everything we can to keep Powys safe.”

Adrian Osborne, programme director for Covid vaccination and Test Trace Protect with Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “Testing is even more important than ever following the identification of the Omicron variant and confirmation of the first cases in the UK.

“Our partnership for the Winter Fair is helping to keep Wales safe. And alongside out work on Test Trace Protect, the showground has also been playing a vital role as a Covid vaccination centre over the last year and will continue to do so in the weeks ahead.”

Steve Hughson, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, added: “Running safe events is a priority for the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and we have worked closely with the Welsh Government, Public Health Wales and Powys County Council to ensure we comply with Covid restrictions on site.

“The creation of a dedicated testing facility on the showground is an outcome of that excellent partnership working. As we reflect on a successful Winter Fair, we now look forward to getting back to normal with a full diary of events in 2022.”