Asymptomatic testing site opens in city centre “Please get tested and help to keep Bristol safe.” In light of rising COVID-19 infection rates in Bristol, the local authority has added new ways for residents to access asymptomatic community testing. A new walk-in PCR testing site has opened at Bristol Harbour, Hanover Quay, for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, in particular young people visiting or meeting with friends in the area, local hospitality and leisure staff and nearby residents. Director for Communities and Public Health, Christina Gray said: “We are once again at a critical point in the pandemic, with the number of infections per 100,000 of the population back up at over 100, from less than 20 just four weeks ago. This rate is rising sharply every day, and we’re seeing people unwell with COVID-19 in our hospitals again, putting additional pressure on our NHS. After the last eighteen months of hard work and sacrifice we’ve all given, this is the last thing we want to see for Bristol.
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“A high number of cases are in our under 30 age group, so we’ve opened up a new asymptomatic PCR testing unit in the centre of the city where people are outside enjoying the nice weather and meeting with friends in our pubs and bars. We have a young, vibrant population in Bristol, many of whom are still yet to receive both doses of their vaccination. “Our aim is to encourage as many people in that group to come and get a PCR test even if they don’t have symptoms; the tests are sensitive to picking up infection and will help to keep people safe as the vaccination programme continues to pick up pace. One in three people carrying the virus do not display symptoms and we need to find these cases so that people can isolate and stop the spread.
