Mobile testing units will be on the move across Powys to two new locations in Crickhowell and Rhayader from Monday 1 March.

The two units will be relocated to Cwrt Y Gollen, Crickhowell, and Rhayader Rugby Football Club for residents in the upper Wye Valley.

Workplaces have contributed to a recent rise in outbreaks of COVID-19 where they have provided an opportunity for infection to spread, especially in settings where people work in close proximity to one another.

A new variant that can pass more easily between people is also contributing to the recent rise in positive cases. Testing teams are urging people to continue to their nearest testing unit if they become unwell with any of the signs and symptoms which are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste.

Mobile testing is by appointment-only and provide a drive-through service.

Residents can also access two further national testing centres in Newtown and Brecon where you can walk, drive or cycle for a test, and an additional local testing unit in Builth Wells for drive-through appointments.

The continued rotation of the units are part of a rolling programme of mobile testing to ensure residents have access to COVID-19 testing as close to home as possible. Residents who are feeling symptoms but are unable to attend a mobile testing unit can request a Home Testing Kit, delivered to your home.

All testing units are available by appointment only for people with symptoms. These are: a new continuous cough, high temperature (fever), loss of or change to sense of smell or taste.

Please remember, all of Wales is in lockdown (alert level 4) where people must follow national guidelines and:

stay at home

meet only the people you live with

work from home if you can

wear a face covering where required

wash your hands regularly

stay 2 metres from anyone you do not live with

Everyone should follow this guidance whether or not they have received COVID-19 vaccination.

More information about what we will all need to do at Alert Level 4 is available from the Welsh Government Website at What you need to do at alert level 4.

Appointments in Crickhowell, Rhayader, Newtown and Brecon can be booked through the UK Government national booking portal, either online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test, by phone on 119, or 18001 119 for people with hearing or speech difficulties. This is also the way to request a home testing kit.

Residents in and around Builth Wells can make an appointment at the local testing unit by calling 01874 612228 or by emailing [email protected].

For more information about COVID-19 testing in Powys, visit the health board’s website at www.pthb.nhs.wales/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing