Published: Friday, 6 August 2021

People in Oxford are being urged to make the most of the temporary mobile testing facilities that came to the city during a surge in cases earlier in the summer.

Extra mobile testing units will remain in the city until 15 August to help reduce positive cases further and reassure people that they are not carrying the virus before travelling to other parts of the UK or meeting friends and family.

“We only have the walk-in PCR facilities in Oxford for one more week. Oxford still has the highest case rates in the county so please help us bring the numbers down. These sites offer the most accurate tests, free and with no appointment. Please get a test so you know you aren’t passing on the virus to the people and places you want to visit.”  

Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Safer, Healthier Oxford

“This week, we are continuing to see a decline in cases in both Oxford and the rest of the county. However, it is fair to say that case levels remain at much higher levels than they did during the spring and we still hope to drive the numbers down further.

“In Oxford, we still have the additional testing facilities provided by government in early July as part of the city becoming an enhanced response area (ERA) when case levels rose steeply. Almost 8,000 people have taken part in PCR testing in Oxford to date. This has had a real impact in reducing our positive case numbers – thank you to everyone who has taken part! But, from 16 August, the city is unlikely to remain an ERA, which means the extra mobile testing units won’t be available after this date. So please do take advantage of the testing facilities that Oxford has for the next week.

“As ever, getting vaccinated remains key. Across Oxfordshire, over 887,000 vaccinations have been delivered, including 379,000 second doses. However, to date, only 69 per cent of 30 - 39 year olds, and 62 per cent of those aged between 18 and 29, have had that first jab. So, we strongly urge people to come forward for the vaccination if they have not already done so. Every single dose of the vaccine improves our defences against the virus as individuals and within our communities – protect your family, work colleagues and neighbours.”

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health 

Testing options for people in Oxford

Oxford remains a national enhanced response area after large rises in cases in early July. Testing options for people in the city are listed below.

The mobile testing units are open for business 10am - 8pm (no appointment is needed):

The venues are:

  • South Park (St Clement’s end)
  • The Blavatnik School of Government, Walton Street (on the right hand side of the front of the building)
  • Manzil Way Gardens, Cowley Road.
  • Headington carpark, Old High Street (behind Waitrose)
  • Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre carpark, Pegasus Road (behind the leisure centre adjacent to the football pitch).

The testing centres at Oxford Brookes University and Osney Lane are also open every day 8am - 8pm, including for those without symptoms, but people need to book an appointment on GOV.UK.

Case rates in Oxfordshire

Current case rates in Oxfordshire are that there were 217.6 cases per 100,000 residents in the seven days up to July 30.

  • Cherwell: 207.3 cases per 100,000 of the population
  • Oxford 306.3 cases per 100,000 of the population
  • South Oxfordshire 177.4 cases per 100,000 of the population
  • Vale of White Horse 186.8 cases per 100,000 of the population
  • West Oxfordshire 198.8 cases per 100,000 of the population

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