A Covid-19 testing facility has been set up in Cardigan this morning in response to an outbreak that has shut down schools and closed businesses.

Hywel Dda Health Board has established a temporary drive-through testing facility at Fairfield car park, which will provide tests for local people with symptoms between 9.30am and 3.30pm, from today.

Tests will only be given to people who have booked through the UK booking portal and you must not attend without an appointment.

The health board said: “Hywel Dda University Health Board, working with Ceredigion County Council and testing centre operators Sodexo, has enhanced testing in the town to make it quicker and easier for local people to get tested following a spike in positive cases.

“This is affecting people in the town, but also some surrounding areas in south Ceredigion and north Pembrokeshire.”

Director of public health for Hywel Dda, Ros Jervis said: “We know there is great strength and community spirit in Cardigan and surrounding areas and we thank people, public sector workers and business for all they have done so far.

“The virus is now circulating in this community and we need everyone to continue to work together to limit its spread as much as possible.

“Our contact tracing teams have heard from several positive cases that they had little or no symptoms early on.

“Many of them report the first signs being headaches, tiredness and general aches and pains usually associated with flu.

“So we are urging people who feel unwell to be extra cautious, especially to practice hand hygiene and distancing, and if in doubt, please book a test.”

You can book a test by calling 119 between 7am and 11pm, or online at gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test

People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001 119.