A Covid testing centre will open tomorrow (Friday) at Plascrug Leisure Centre, Aberystwyth, it has been revealed.

There will be a drive-through testing facility at the site, which was converted from a leisure centre to an emergency Covid hospital at the start of the pandemic; although the facility has not so far been needed.

Inside the building will also be a facility to test asymptomatic patients ahead of operations and other hospital procedures and treatments, the health board said.

The new testing centre will be a temporary replacement for the current testing venue in Aberystwyth, the former nursery building on Penglais Hill behind the GP surgery.

Ros Jervis, director of public health at Hywel Dda Health Board, said: “As part of our ongoing response to the pandemic, and our wider winter planning arrangements, we are transferring the testing facility, on a short-term temporary basis, from its current Aberystwyth venue (Penglais Hill) to Plascrug Leisure Centre as a drive-through facility (through a booked appointment) for people displaying symptoms of Covid-19. This will come into effect from 21 August.

“In addition, a multi-use facility inside Plascrug Leisure Centre will be used by the health board for testing asymptomatic patients (someone who does not have symptoms of Covid-19) who are coming into hospital for an operation or procedure, as well as some antibody testing, phlebotomy, vaccination and a one-stop clinic for pre-chemotherapy patients.

“Anyone who has symptoms of the virus (a new persistent cough, high temperature or loss/change of taste or smell) are required to book their test online at www.gov.wales/coronavirus or by calling the free number 119 (between 7am and 11pm). People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001 119. Please do not turn up without booking first as it will not be possible to accommodate you without an appointment. If you have any difficulties with this process please call 0300 303 8322 or email [email protected].”

Leisure services will be offered at Penglais Sports Hall when services start to reopen next month, as Plascrug Leisure Centre will remain in use in the fight against coronavirus, the council announced on 7 August.