The centre, located at the Polhill Campus Car Park, on Polhill Avenue, is operating on a walk-in basis, for anybody in the borough who needs a test.
It will be open every day providing testing for students at the University and local residents.
It expands on the local testing availability currently provided at Borough Hall and Prebend Street car parks in the town.
As a walk-in site, residents must either walk or cycle to the site, not drive or take public transport. Strict safety control measures will be in place; a face covering will need to be worn and social distancing must be followed at all times.
Cllr Louise Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Testing for Covid-19 is one of the first lines of defence in reducing infections. Rates in Bedford Borough are have been increasing significantly in recent weeks and we are seeing more people admitted to hospital.
“The walk-in testing site is easy for people to use and you don’t need a car. You can book a test online at nhs.uk/coronavirus, or by calling 119.
“Anyone experiencing any of the symptoms; a new, persistent cough, high temperature, loss or change in sense of smell or taste, should immediately self-isolate at home with the rest of their household and arrange a test.
“Anyone testing positive for Covid-19 will be helped by the NHS test and trace service to identify the people they’ve recently been in contact with so they can be alerted.”
Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire said: “Whilst Covid cases in our University remain low, we are delighted to be housing this walk in testing facility for our community should they need to access it. It will enable local residents and our University’s students and staff to get tested if they have symptoms which is a great advantage in the fight against Covid19.”
Test results will be available within 24-72 hours of completing the test. People testing positive should self-isolate for 10 days, with other people in their household needing to isolate for 14 days.
Drive through testing is also still available in Bedford.
To book a test you can visit nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119, seven days a week.
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