THE most senior public health officials in the county are worried people might be waiting too long to have a coronavirus test.

Anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19 is being urged to get tested as soon as possible and help authorities battle the spread if of the virus.

Swindon Borough Council's director of public health Steve Maddern has issued a plea, which was echoed by his counterpart in Wiltshire, Kate Blackburn.

Mr Maddern said: “Self-isolating and testing are key to keeping our communities safe. The NHS Test and Trace Service will therefore play an incredibly important role in reducing Covid-19 transmission across our borough and the wider county."

Regional testing sites, which are open seven days a week, are based at the former Wroughton Park and Ride site in Swindon and Beehive Park and Ride in Salisbury.

A mobile testing unit will be at County Hall’s Mortimer Street car park in Trowbridge from July 13-16, then for six days from July 19.

Mrs Blackburn said: “If you start experiencing any of the symptoms, I would urge you self-isolate and book an appointment at your nearest testing site. 

"The test is quick and easy to do, and you receive your results quicker than if you wait for a test to be posted to you.”

Anyone experiencing a new, continuous cough, a high temperature, and/or a loss of or change in their normal sense of smell or taste, can book a test at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test .

Testing is available for all ages at all of the sites and as many as four people in a car can be tested. 

People can either opt to carry out the test by themselves or have an assisted test with a trained tester, remaining in the vehicle at all times in both cases.