A MOBILE testing facility for coronavirus will be hosted by Reading Football Club at Madejski Stadium this week.

Organised by the Department of Health and Social Care, working with the armed forces and the football club, tests will be taking place from today (Thursday, May 14) and the unit will be able to accommodate hundreds of people per day for a total of four days.

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The unit at Madejski Stadium is part of the government’s attempts to increase access to coronavirus tests via travelling units, operated by specially trained Armed Forces personnel who collect swabs on site and then send them to laboratories for processing.

Tests are available by appointment only and are being arranged through the government’s COVID-19 testing website.

The government recently updated their eligibility criteria for testing - key workers and anyone who shows symptoms who is aged 65 and over or working at a different place to their home can request a test.

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Nigel Howe, chief executive at Reading Football Club, said “Reading Football Club is proud to play a small part in helping the country overcome this global crisis.

“These units assist the government’s national effort, support our NHS and provide for our keyworkers as well as those most vulnerable in the battle against COVID-19. So we are delighted to work closely with the local health authorities and the Armed Forces and help to serve our community at this difficult time.”

For more details on eligibility and how to book a test, click here