EVERYONE in Swindon who has coronavirus symptoms can now book a swab test

The government’s National Coronavirus Testing Programme used to just include key workers, health and social care staff, and the over-65s.

Now, anyone over the age of five can register for a test online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus, after checking their symptoms. Testing spaces are limited, so the council would encourage those that do book to attend.

Coun Brian Ford said: “This new expansion of the eligibility for coronavirus testing is welcome news and I would urge people in Swindon to apply for a test if they are showing symptoms.

“The government’s ambition is to implement a national testing and tracing programme within a local delivery system, and we will work closely with our public sector partners to ensure that the local delivery system for Swindon is as good as it possibly can be.”

When people book a test online they will be given details about their closest testing site. There is a postal test kit option.

People who have a new continuous cough, or they have a high temperature, or they feel a loss or changed sense of normal smell or taste should immediately self-isolate.

All members of their household must also self-isolate according to current guidelines, unless the symptomatic individual receives a negative test result.