New pop-up coronavirus testing units have been set up in response to rising virus rates in Oxford, Bicester and Banbury.
The mobile PCR test facilities, aimed at people with coronavirus symptoms, have opened at Bicester Leisure Centre and Dukes Meadow Pavilion in Banbury today.
They will be open from 9am to 3pm daily until Christmas Eve, with people able to book an appointment via the government website.
Another pop-up test site in Radcliffe Square, Oxford, which opened earlier this week, will close tomorrow. The walk-in unit is for people without covid symptoms.
READ MORE: Covid-19 case rates hit record high
READ MORE: 22 Omicron cases in Oxfordshire
In the past seven days, there have been 1,148 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Cherwell council area or 756 cases per 100,000 people. Oxford has recorded 775 cases – the equivalent of 511.3 cases per 100,000 people.
Oxfordshire director of public health Ansaf Azhar said: “Cases across Oxfordshire are continuing to rise sharply. Although we do seem to be in a much better situation this winter thanks to the success of the vaccination programme, the advent of the new Omicron variant means we must still approach the virus with caution and not let our guard down.
“Regular testing is one way that we will be able to help bring these case rates down – it could still be possible to pass the virus onto somebody at high risk even if you do not have any severe symptoms.”
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok
Got a story for us? Send us your news and pictures here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here