Aberystwyth’s drive-through Covid-19 testing centre has been moved to Cardigan, it has been revealed this afternoon.

Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that the drive-through testing centre at Ceredigion County Council’s Canolfan Rheidol offices in Aberystwyth has been moved to Cardigan to deal with the outbreak of cases in the south of the county.

In its place, health chiefs say a walk-in testing centre has been ‘arranged’ at the former Penglais nursery behind Padarn Surgery on Penglais Hill - despite the fact that the walk-in centre has been there since September.

A spokesperson for the health board said: “The drive-through facility at Canolfan Rheidol has now been relocated to Cardigan in response to a rise in cases in that area.

"Residents of Aberystwyth will not be impacted by this move as there is plenty of testing capacity at the local testing centre (on Penglais Hill).”

Alison Shakeshaft, director of therapies and health science at Hywel Dda, said: “Many residents in the town, including students, do not have their own private vehicle in order to access drive-through testing facilities, so the option of a walk-in facility is very important.

“This is a challenging time and I urge everyone to remain vigilant and follow the rules, including wearing face coverings where required, maintain social distancing, washing hands regularly, or using a hand sanitiser if hand washing is not possible.”

Anyone who has symptoms of the virus (a new persistent cough, high temperature or loss/change of taste or smell) must book a test as soon as possible. This can be done through the online UK portal at www.gov.wales/coronavirus

University students with Covid-19 symptoms, when booking a test, are required to provide their local address in Aberystwyth.