All adults in Oxford City will continue to be able to get a PCR test at extra testing centres that are located in the city in response to steeply rising cases and will remain until at least 24 July.
Two additional testing units are now also being set up to increase capacity further. Over 4,400 people have been tested since the mobile testing units were moved to the city on 03 July.
Although cases in the city are now falling, there has been a 21 per cent rise in cases in those aged between 30 and 59. Those aged 18 to 29 still make up more than half of cases overall.
The mobile testing units are open for business 10.00am – 8.00pm, and no appointment is needed.
The venues are:
- South Park (St Clement’s end)
- The Blavatnik School of Government, Walton Street (on the right hand side of the front of the building)
- Manzil Way Gardens, Cowley Road.
- NEW: Headington Car Park, Old High Street (behind Waitrose)
- NEW: Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre Car Park, Pegasus Road (behind the leisure centre adjacent to the football pitch)
The testing centres at Oxford Brookes University and Osney Lane are also open every day from 8.00am to 8.00pm, including for those without symptoms, but people need to book an appointment on gov.uk.
Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Safer, Healthier Oxford at Oxford City Council, said: “We’ve had good take-up of the testing units so far. Thank you to everyone who has taken part.
“With the new sites in Blackbird Leys and Headington, we can offer easy, accessible testing in more residential areas around the city. COVID cases are still high in Oxford.
“Please come and get a test. Don’t guess at whether you’ve been put at risk. Know your COVID status to help keep friends and family safe.”
Ansaf Azhar, Director for Public Health at Oxfordshire County Council, said, “It’s been a great community effort to drive down the number of cases in the city – thank you to everyone who has taken part so far.
“However, cases remain significantly higher than a month ago and above the national, southeast and Oxfordshire averages.
“With all of these testing options centred on the city, now is the time for people to get tested and do their bit to help stop the spread of the virus.
“No booking is required, so this is a very simple thing to do. Let’s work together to drive down these case numbers even further.”
