Two new rapid Covid-19 test sites will open next week with one at The Centurion in Midsomer Norton.

They are for key workers and people unable to work from home who do not have any coronavirus symptoms.

Around one in three people who have coronavirus will experience no symptoms. Rapid lateral flow testing is important in reducing the risk that they pose to others.

From Monday 8 March, a new testing site will open at the Masonic Hall in Keynsham – with another site opening at the Centurion Hotel in Midsomer Norton on Wednesday 10 March.

The test sites will provide quick, free lateral flow tests (LFTs) for essential workers and volunteers who live or work in Bath and North East Somerset, those people unable to work from home, personal carers and childminders – provided they don't have symptoms.

Last week, the council opened its first rapid Covid-19 test site at the Apex Hotel in Bath city centre. All sites will now be open from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.

Bookings should be made online and can be made up to two weeks in advance: www.bathnes.gov.uk/rapidtest. The test process including registration on arrival takes around 15 minutes and results are sent by text or email, usually within one hour.

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services and Health, said: "Rapid testing is a vital tool in helping to break the chain of transmission of the virus. About one in three people who have the virus display no symptoms so they could easily be spreading it to others without knowing. The rapid Covid-19 test site will prioritise identifying the virus in people who cannot work from home and who have to be in contact with colleagues and the public in order to provide frontline services to our community.

"It's important that this sector of workers takes a test weekly to prevent the spread. The tests are quick, free and easy to use so please don't hesitate in booking yourself an appointment. Even if test results are negative, there's a chance that you could still be carrying the virus, so we should all continue to act like we've got it to protect our health and that of others."

Visit this page for more information about booking a rapid flow test including eligibility: click HERE : theB&NES site

Please do not contact the venues directly with rapid flow testing enquiries. For questions about access to local rapid testing email [email protected].