Hancock urges people in Merthyr Tydfil to take part in mass coronavirus testing
Merthyr Tydfil will become the first area in Wales to introduce mass testing from Saturday.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has urged people in Merthyr Tydfil to “play their part” in bringing coronavirus under control by taking part in Wales’ first mass test pilot.
Rapid Covid-19 tests will be offered to residents and workers even if they do not have symptoms in the town which last week had the highest rate of new cases in the UK.
On Wednesday, Mr Hancock said the pilot, which follows one already in place in Liverpool, would provide “vital understanding” on how mass testing can be rolled out across the UK.
He said: “By testing more people, including those without symptoms, we are able to find more positive cases of the virus and break chains of transmission.
“Building on the learnings from the first whole city testing pilot in Liverpool and using the latest rapid tests, this pilot in Merthyr will provide vital understanding of how we can further roll out mass testing, as well as suppressing the virus and peace of mind for residents of Merthyr.
“I want to thank the Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council, Welsh Government and the armed forces for their work in making this pilot possible and bringing a test to everyone who needs one.
“I urge everyone in Merthyr to play their part in bringing this virus under control by getting a test, and by following restrictions in place.”
