The new testing centre in Town is open as the high street outdoor one closes.

Update: The centre closed in June.

Residents can come along to have a lateral flow test in the new centre. Results are sent via SMS text or email. People are allowed two free of charge rapid coronavirus tests per week.

covid — The Testing Centre, 1st Floor, Atria Watford (previously named Intu) (image watnews)

Rapid tests are free tests for people who do not have any symptoms. They’re also known as lateral flow tests. You get your test results in 60 minutes.

You can also use this service if:

you’ve been in contact with someone who’s tested positive
you’ve been asked to get a test by a local council or contact tracers
a GP or other health professional has asked you to get a test
you’re taking part in a government pilot project
you’ve been asked to get a test to confirm a positive result
you’ve received an unclear result and were told to get a second test
you need to get a test for someone you live with who has symptoms

Book a COVID-19 test for yourself or a family member. Don’t delay if you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Peter Taylor the elected Mayor of Watford told us “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to work with the NHS and county council to make this happen. I visited myself and was tested on Monday. It was very efficient and I was pleased to get a negative result!”

If you have a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, you should order a test kit or book a test at one of the drive-through testing centres.

Drive-through testing sites are open on various days of the week in Hertford, Broxbourne, Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City for everyone living or working in Hertfordshire.

The drive-through testing centre at Tesco Headquarters in Shire Park in Welwyn Garden City is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm. It has been carrying out an average of 210 tests every day. Here, people can test themselves with the swabs provided or have a swab test carried out by a trained professional. The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat.