Accessing rapid Covid-19 tests is now easier than ever in South Gloucestershire, as their bright pink testing van is visiting communities across the district.

Rapid tests (LFT) are available at 12 libraries, many pharmacies and there is an option of having kits delivered directly to your home from the Government website.

Given that the move to Stage 4 of the Government’ Road Map has now been delayed until July, South Gloucestershire Council are encouraging everyone over the age of 16 who is able to, to make regular, twice weekly Rapid Covid-19 tests part of their routine.

This will help identify any cases among people who are not showing symptoms and who could unknowingly be spreading the virus.

The Councils distinctive van is out and about seven days a week to make collecting tests simple, and trained staff are also available to explain how the tests can be done and can supervise you taking and registering a test if you are unsure.

The van’s timetable is:

Mondays Cadbury Heath Community Centre from 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Cribbs Causeway (ASDA) from 2:00PM to 5:00PM

Tuesdays Emersons Green (Bottegino’s) from 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Hawkesbury Village Hall from 2:00PM to 5:00PM

Wednesdays Staple Hill (Fountain Square Band Stand) 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Marshfield Community Centre from 2:00PM to 5:00PM

Thursdays Longwell Green (ASDA) from 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Charfield Community Centre from 2:00PM to 5:00PM

Fridays Stoke Gifford (Sainsbury’s) from 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Severn Beach Village Hall from 2:00PM to 5:00PM

Saturdays Thornbury High Street (17 High St) from 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Kingswood High Street (near Iceland Foods) from 2:00PM to 5:00PM

Sundays Patchway Community Centre from 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Pucklechurch Community Centre from 2:00PM to 5:00PM

For those who wish to attend a site to take a test, community testing facilities is available at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre and is open from 8:30AM – 7:30PM on Monday’s and Wednesday’s; From 8:30AM – 5:30PM on Tuesday’s, Thursday’s and Friday’s and from 9:00AM – 1:00PM on Weekends.

South Gloucestershire Director of Public Health, Sara Blackmore, said: “I know many people were eagerly awaiting the 21 June, but the decision to delay follows rising case numbers and the presence of the Delta variant, including here in in South Gloucestershire. I believe this delay is sensible, to give the NHS more time to vaccinate most of the adult population.

“So, we remain in Stage 3, which means that we must all continue to follow the rule of six indoors and up to 30 people outside. But there are three key practical things we can all do to help us reach Step 4 as soon as it is safe to do so: These are to take up the vaccine when invited to do so; to take regular, rapid, Covid-19 tests and to report the results, whether the result is positive or negative; and to effectively self-isolate if you test positive or are notified that you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive.

“The number of people taking regular, rapid tests in South Gloucestershire has dropped considerably recently, which means cases are going undetected and people are unknowingly spreading the virus. If you are not testing because you are worried about the financial implications of having to isolate, please get in touch as we can offer you support, including grants, and advice.

“We are on the right track, but it is vital that we keep going, so remember Hands Face Space Fresh Air, test regularly and get vaccinated.”