MOBILE Covid-19 testing units will be on the move across Powys to two new locations in Rhayader and Crickhowell from next Monday, March 1.

The two units will be relocated to Rhayader Rugby Football Club and Cwrt Y Gollen, Crickhowell, for residents in the upper Wye Valley from St David’s Day.

Workplaces have contributed to a recent rise in outbreaks of Covid-19 where they have provided an opportunity for infection to spread, especially in settings where people work in close proximity to one another.

A new variant that can pass more easily between people is also contributing to the recent rise in positive cases. Testing teams are urging people to continue to visit their nearest testing unit if they become unwell with any of the signs and symptoms which are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste.

Mobile testing is by appointment-only and provide a drive-through service.

Residents can also access two further national testing centres in Newtown and Brecon where you can walk, drive or cycle for a test, and an additional local testing unit in Builth Wells for drive-through appointments.

The continued rotation of the units are part of a rolling programme of mobile testing to ensure residents have access to Covid-19 testing as close to home as possible. Residents who are feeling symptoms but are unable to attend a mobile testing unit can request a home testing kit, delivered to your home.

All testing units are available by appointment only for people with symptoms.

Everyone should continue to follow government guidance in relation to health and social distancing whether or not they have received vaccination.

More information about what we will all need to do at alert level 4 is available from the Welsh Government website.

Appointments in Crickhowell, Rhayader, Newtown and Brecon can be booked through the UK Government national booking portal, either online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test, by phone on 119, or 18001 119 for people with hearing or speech difficulties. This is also the way to request a home testing kit.

Residents in and around Builth can make an appointment at the local testing unit by calling 01874 612228 or by emailing powys.testing@wales.nhs.uk.

For more information about Covid-19 testing in Powys, visit the health board’s website at www.pthb.nhs.wales/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing.