A WALK-IN covid-19 testing facility is opening in Barry town centre in response to rapidly rising case numbers in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The temporary facility, based in the Art Central gallery, in King Square, will provide easy access to testing for those living in the town, and the wider Vale population.

The walk-in testing centre will open to the public from Thursday, November 5.

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Executive director for Public Health for Cardiff and the Vale, Fiona Kinghorn said: “Over the past week we have seen a significant increase in cases amongst all age groups in the Vale.

“It is vitally important that anyone who is showing symptoms of coronavirus self isolates and books themselves a test immediately.

"This is how we can stop the spread of the virus with all of us playing a part in protecting our families, our neighbours and our local communities.”

Vale council leader, Cllr Neil Moore said: “The increasing rate of Covid-19 in the Vale is an obvious concern.

“The Barry testing site has been established to make it as easy as possible for Vale residents to get tested.

“That it has been established so rapidly is a credit to the effective partnership between Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board, Public Health Wales, and the council.”

The temporary testing unit is a walk-through site.

It will operate from 9am to 5pm from Thursday, November, 5 and will be in place initially for seven days.

Testing will only be available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.

People showing symptoms should book a tests in the normal way by calling 119 or online at gov.wales/coronavirus