PCR tests brought to Oxford as cases rise to pandemic peak

PCR testing facilities are being brought to the city, after the number of daily cases rose to as high as those seen at the peak of the pandemic.

People aged between 18 and 30 who live in Oxford are being asked to get a PCR test, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.

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Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s director of public health, said: “The rise in cases in Oxford is concentrated in younger age groups and we strongly urge people aged under 30 to come forward and get tested this weekend.

“We need to work as a community to try to reverse this trend as soon as possible and the extra testing facilities that have been assigned to Oxford are part of ongoing conversations between ourselves and the Government about the emerging situation.

“We know that one in three people who have the virus don’t have any symptoms, and so it’s critically important that we identify these cases and stop onward transmission of the virus and protect those who haven’t yet been vaccinated.

“We continue to urge young people to come forward and get the vaccine and we ask people to get back to basics and remember to keep a distance from others, wash their hands regularly, avoid indoor socialising and if you are indoors, make sure the room is ventilated.

“There’s a big football match this weekend so there’s certainly a risk of people gathering and spreading the virus further.

“Please consider safe ways to enjoy the match – avoid large gatherings and remain with your own household.”

Oxfordshire County Council director of public health Ansaf Azhar. Picture: Oxfordshire County Council (Image: PR)

Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, added: “I am really concerned about the rates in the city, we are fast becoming one of the worst affected areas of the country.

“I urge younger people – among whom we are seeing case rates are surging – to get tested this weekend.

“If you test positive, please self-isolate to minimise the spread.

“We are only weeks away from the planned date for lifting all restrictions, and to stop the situation in Oxford getting worse very quickly when that happens we need to stop the rise in cases quickly.

“Please stick to the guidance on social distancing, masks and meeting outdoors.

“We’ve all been enjoying getting back to meeting up again, but please remember you can limit or increase the virus spread by your actions.

“Getting tested this weekend is one of the ways you can help limit the spread.

“The biggest case rises are among the young, who don’t have the protection of the vaccine.

“We’re talking to the two universities and colleges to make sure students are able to get tested before they leave for the summer, and supporting the additional vaccine clinics being set up to target young people.”

Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown. Picture: Ed Nix (Image: Ed Nix)

There are three mobile testing units in Oxford, which are open from 10am to 8pm this weekend.

All three are operating on a walk-in basis and no appointment is necessary.

They are located at:

• Blavatnik School of Government, Walton Street

• South Park (St Clements end)

• Oxpens car park

Testing centres at Oxford Brookes University and Osney Lane are also open every day from 8am to 8pm, but an appointment is required.

Book a PCR test on gov.uk