A drive-through testing centre is now open to the public at Ysbyty Alltwen to make it easier for to access a Covid-19 test close to home.

Previously, the centre was only available to key workers and their families, the education sector, pre-op patients due to undergo an operation and some care workers.

This service is for individuals who believe they have Covid symptoms, and people should only attend if they have one or more of the following:

· a high temperature

· a new, continuous cough

· a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

This is not a walk-in service and people will need to make an appointment.

The centre is open 9.30am–4.30pm seven days a week, and an appointment can be made by phoning 03000 852525.

Teresa Owen, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s executive director of Public Health, said: “As a pilot project, we are now able to offer residents in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd, who are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, access to a test at our unit in Ysbyty Alltwen.

“This will ensure that residents in this area can access testing closer to where they live.

“As new restrictions come into force across Wales on Friday, I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public to continue to follow government guidelines to help us prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 must self-isolate immediately and book a test.”

Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Gwynedd Council’s deputy leader and Cabinet member for care matters, said: “As a council, we are pleased to see the centre open at Ysbyty Alltwen that will offer testing for the residents of the Dwyfor and Meirionnydd areas of Gwynedd.

“We appreciate that it is a difficult time for anyone who has symptoms of the virus, and we hope that locating a unit closer to the communities of Dwyfor and Meirionnydd will benefit residents as we work with our partners in the health sector to stop the spread of Covid-19 and protecting our health and care services."

Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts said: “I welcome this announcement from the health board that a drive-through Covid-19 testing service is now open at Ysbyty Alltwen, Tremadog to accommodate demand from the wider public, especially rural communities across Dwyfor Meirionnydd.

“Dedicated community testing centres providing the wider population of Gwynedd with accessible, local facilities are a must if we are to control the spread of the virus.

“With cases on the increase and a challenging winter very likely, people living in my large, rural constituency sought assurances that should they become unwell and require a test, then provision would be made available as close to their home as possible.

“We also need to ensure the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals and the safeguarding of workplaces, both for employees and the self-employed. It is essential that sufficient financial support is available.

“I am pleased the health board has recognised concerns about the distances some have been forced to travel to get a test, and I hope this seven-day-a-week appointment service at Alltwen will significantly reduce the journey time for my constituents.”