Walk-through testing sites are to be set up around Welsh universities after an increase in coronavirus cases among students.

Each of the new Local Testing Site’s will provide access to testing for both the returning students and the local populations. In September the first LTS opened in Pontypridd near the University of South Wales.

Today, Health Minister Vaughan Gething and Education Minister Kirsty Williams have confirmed more sites will now open at Swansea, Cardiff, Bangor and Aberystwyth.

These sites are part of a Welsh Government agreement with the UK Government to create Local Testing Sites in Wales and increase testing capacity. The LTS is a walk-through site and tests can be booked in the normal way by calling 119 or online at gov.wales/coronavirus

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.

Mr Gething said: “It’s important that anyone who is showing symptoms of coronavirus get tested to ensure we stop the spread of the virus. The new Local Testing Sites will be across Wales and will play a key role in our NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect programme.”

Ms Williams added: “As university students return to cities and towns across Wales we want to ensure robust testing is in place for both students and local residents. I am pleased that the Local Testing Sites will provide additional reassurance to those returning or starting university.”