Large New Covid-19 Rapid Test centre opens in Watford

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.

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.

Shopping Centre

The Harlequin first opened in 1990 and expanded further into Charter Place in 2013 once Intu became owner.

The shopping centre which was INTU, is now called Atria.  Intu went bust last year, owing to pressures caused by the pandemic.