WITH coronavirus rates across the country continuing to increase, more and more people are seeking out their nearest test centre.

In Basingstoke and Deane, the number of recorded cases of coronavirus has increased by 250 (52.9 per cent) in the past seven day period compared to the previous week, with the total number between December 29 and January 4 at 723.

However, an online search for testing centres indicates that Basingstoke has just one - the walk-in centre at the Anvil on Churchill Way.

A search this morning (Tuesday, January 5) at 10am found that, while there were over 400 appointments available at the centre, these were only displaying for people who did not have access to a car.

Otherwise, an appointment at a drive-in centre outside of the borough was offered.

Here is the list of some of the closest centres to Basingstoke, according to Google:

  • Covid-19 Walk-through Testing Site - Basingstoke (The Anvil Churchill Way E, Basingstoke)
  • Covid-19 Walk-through Testing Site - Reading (University of Reading Great Hall)
  • Covid-19 Walk-through Testing Site - Waverley (Mike Hawthorn Drive)
  • Covid-19 Walk-through Testing Site - Winchester (Worthy Lane Car Park)
  • Covid-19 Walk-through Testing Site - Aldershot (Parsons Barracks Car Park)
  • Covid-19 Drive-through Testing Site - Newbury (Newbury Show)
  • Covid-19 Drive-through Testing Site - Guildford (Onslow Park & Ride)
  • Covid-19 Walk-through Testing Site - Guildford (Guildford School of Acting Car Park)
  • Covid-19 Drive-through Testing Site - Southampton (Southampton Airport Long Stay Car Park)
  • Covid-19 Walk-through Testing Site - Egham (Royal Holloway University of London, Car Park 12, Egham)

Anyone with one or more of the main coronavirus symptoms is advised to input their details on the government's test booking site to view available appointments.

The Gazette has contacted NHS Test and Trace to request an official list of testing sites in the Basingstoke area.

Are you aware of any extra testing centres in the borough? Email catriona.aitken@newsquest.co.uk