Llanelli residents urged to get tested if they have Covid 19 symptoms

In response to the rise in coronavirus cases in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board are urging the residents to get tested if they have Covid-19 symptoms – high temperature, a loss of or change to sense of smell or taste, or a new and continuous cough.

The council and health board are working closely to introduce increased testing capacity for residents with a drive-through Mobile Testing Unit at Parc y Scarlets Car Park B, accessed via Trostre Retail Park, in Llanelli.

Tests should be booked via the UK Portal.

There should be no reason for Llanelli residents to travel excessive distances for a test, there will be tests available in Llanelli and Carmarthen.

Any Llanelli residents experiencing difficulty booking a test locally via the portal can instead email covidenquiries.hdd@wales.nhs.uk or by calling 0300 333 2222.

You will need to provide:

• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Postcode
• Email address (if available)
• Current mobile phone number (test results are sent by text message) if you don’t have a mobile number please include a landline number

Please be aware you will receive a call back from a withheld/private number, and that tests are free of charge and nobody should asked for payment or bank account details.

Please do not book a test if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms

Please follow the latest self-isolation guidelines which can be found here.

Alison Shakeshaft, Executive Director of Therapies and Health Science at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Llanelli and the wider Carmarthenshire region has seen an increase in cases over the past few days, so we urging the public to play their part and help reduce the spread of the virus by getting tested as soon as possible.

“We have increased testing capacity for the area and are calling on those with symptoms to book a test.

“Coronavirus remains a very serious illness, especially for the elderly and those with existing risk factors. I would urge the public to remain vigilant and follow the rules, including wearing face coverings that cover the mouth and nose, keeping two metres away from others outside of their household bubble, as well as washing hands regularly, or using a hand sanitizer if hand washing is not possible.”