THOUSANDS of residents and workers in Wokingham are being urged to take part in extra coronavirus testing from Monday.

Wokingham Borough Council has announced surge testing across four specific areas in response to growing concerns over the rising number of cases linked to the Indian (Delta) variant locally.

Those wards involved include Bulmershe and Whitegates, Evendons, Norreys, and Westcott and surge testing for everyone over the age of 12 who lives in these areas starts from Monday, June 7.

Schools and businesses in theses areas will be contacted to arrange testing kits for pupils and staff.

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Who should get tested and do I have to have symptoms?

Wokingham Borough Council is urging everyone in these specified postcodes to take a coronavirus test even if you do not have symptoms. It is hoped by carrying out surge testing in these areas it can pick up cases where people aren't displaying symptoms and will help stop the spread.

Surge testing in Wokingham is for anyone over the age of 12 who lives, works, or studies in Bulmershe and Whitegates, Evendons, Norreys, or Wescott.

Where to get tested?

No appointments needed:

  • Wokingham Borough Council - Shute End Eastern Car Park Test Centre, RG40 1BN Open from 12:00-18:00 (Drive or walk-up)
  • Cantley Park Event Field - Twyford Road, Wokingham, RG40 5TU. Open from 12:00-18:00 (Drive or walk-up)
  • Headley Road Car park - 6 Headley Road, Reading, RG5 4JA. Open from 12:00-18:00 (Drive or walk-up)
  • Microsoft Campus - Thames Valley Business Park, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1WG. Open from 08.00-20.00 closed Sundays (Drive or walk-up)
  • Sindlesham Court - Sindlesham, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5EA. Open from 08.00-20.00 closed Sundays (Drive or walk-up)
  • Shute End Test Centre (RG40 1BN) – Open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday

Alternatively, you can order a test online from gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

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You’ll get a text or email with your result within three days. If you do not have symptoms you can continue to go to work or school while you wait for your results.

If you test positive from the surge testing you must self-isolate immediately along with your household for 10 days to stop the spread of the virus.

Go to wokingham.gov.uk/covid-19 for more information or support information while self-isolating.