Bath’s MP, Wera Hobhouse, wants to see an easily accessible walk-in Covid 19 testing site established in the city centre.
She is calling on the Government to significantly increase the number of walk-in sites for all university towns and cities across the country – including Bath.
Wera Hobhouse said:
“With autumn coming, and a million students returning to universities across the country, the Government must urgently create many more accessible Covid testing sites within easy reach of those who need them.
My Bath constituents currently have no local testing centre within our city. The nearest fixed site is at Bristol Airport; there is even some confusion about alternative sites beyond that. If you are ill with potential Covid symptoms, you may not be in a fit state to drive. Many residents, particularly young people, do not have cars. Using public transport in such cases poses significant public health risks.
The Government has fallen gravely behind on providing appropriate testing infrastructure in cities such as Bath. They are also failing to get the message out that we all need to continue to act with the utmost caution and practice safe behavior. Social distancing must be upheld and face coverings used correctly in indoor spaces.
With the autumn university term about to begin, the population of our city and many others will swell. All our residents must be able to easily and safely access a nearby testing site if they suspect they have Covid-19.”
