RESIDENTS are being urged by the council to get tested for the coronavirus if they believe they have symptoms, in order to protect the community.

This comes after last week's announcement that there will be the nation's first hybrid walk-in/drive-in testing centre in Slough, a 30 minute drive from Bracknell Forest.

The site allows residents who may not be showing symptoms, but are concerned due to having lived with someone who shows symptoms, or similar scenarios.

There is also a mobile testing unit stationed in Bracknell with further testing dates likely to be released in the near future.

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Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: “Bracknell Forest residents have shown great commitment to adhering to the Government restrictions over the past three months.

"As these measures are lifted, we need residents to show the same level of commitment to protecting the community by isolating at the onset of suspected coronavirus symptoms and getting tested as soon as possible.

"With a walk-in and drive-in option for testing now available in Berkshire, we’re fortunate in Bracknell Forest to have an accessible testing option so close by.

"I’d like to ask all residents who develop symptoms, now or in the future, to do the right thing and utilise this or one of the other options available for testing.

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"This is vital to ensuring the community, particularly those more vulnerable residents, are protected from the virus."

The announcement from the Council comes after a nation-wide push was announced to increase testing of residents.

If travelling by car to the site in Montem Car Park, Montem Lane, Slough, up to four people can travel in the same vehicle, all ages can attend, and tests will be administered by visitors trained by testing staff on site.

To book a test at the Slough centre or via another testing route visit nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or call 119.