A NEW coronavirus testing site will open in Redditch on Monday, but the council says the location of Kidderminster's centre is yet to be confirmed.

Five new walk-through Covid test centres are due to open across Worcestershire by the end of November - the first in Trescott Road car park in Redditch and at Worcester Arena car park.

Public Health teams announced in September that Kidderminster would be among the towns getting a new test site and residents were told they would take between three to four weeks to set up.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director for Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “For a number of weeks, we have been working with partners across the county and Department for Health and Social Care to find locations for additional local walk-through testing sites in each of the districts of Worcestershire. 

"One of the first to come in to use, will be located in Redditch. The site in Trescott Road car park should be operational by Monday, October 26 if a pilot day on Friday, October 23 confirms the site is ready to use. 

“The walk-through testing sites, which include Worcester Arena car park on the University of Worcester site, also due to start operating next week, will offer local options for testing for all Worcestershire residents.

"There will be five new walk-through testing sites available throughout Worcestershire by the end of November.

"In addition, they can be accessed on foot offering more choice for those who don’t drive or have access to a vehicle. 

“The local walk through testing sites, provide the opportunity to be tested much nearer to where you live. These are not walk-in centres and tests must be booked online at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

“If you book an appointment at a local walk through testing site, please avoid using public transport and instead walk or cycle if you can.

"Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing and wearing a face covering while at the centre.

“By expanding our local testing sites and offering the extra on-foot option, we are making it even easier for people to get a test when they need it.”