PEOPLE will be able to get tested for coronavirus this winter in each of Herefordshire's market towns, public health officials have confirmed.

The first testing centre outside of Hereford is expected to be opened in Ross-on-Wye next week.

Speaking at a press conference today (October 23), Karen Wright, director of public health for Herefordshire, said their intention is to also open testing centres in Leominster, Ledbury, Kington and Bromyard.

So far, the main place for people to get a Covid-19 test in Herefordshire has been the mobile testing unit at Merton Meadow car park in Hereford.

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“We want to be testing in all of our market towns as we go into winter to make it as easy as possible for our residents to get tested,” she said.

She said the first centre, which will be run by Deloitte, is expected to open sometime next week.

They are yet to finalise the exact siting of the testing centre, but it should be confirmed over the weekend.

Ms Wright said it would likely be a drive-through centre, but the final details will be confirmed next week.

Her main message to residents was to make sure people stick to the guidance and avoid unnecessary social contact.

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She said there is a risk Herefordshire could have more restrictions imposed on it if people do not follow the advice.

Ms Wright said there had been a concerning uptick in cases in the county since last week.

Cases have risen by 78 from the previous week.

Number of cases per 100,000 people in Herefordshire is currently at 49.

“Anyone with symptoms should self-isolate and get tested,” Ms Wright added.

“Same day testing is available at the Merton Meadow site.”