A Covid testing centre is almost ready to open in Ludlow.

The centre on the Smithfield car park is due to open at 8am tomorrow (Thursday).

It will enable people to get a test and is an important part in the fight against the virus.

Appointments will need to be booked in advance.

People will be given an appointment time and will drive or walk to the Smithfield car park where they will be handed a testing kit with a set of instructions.

People will do the test themselves and return the sealed bottle to staff at the site. It will be sent away for testing with the result usually within 48 hours.

The test involves taking a swab from the back of the throat and the nose. It is not difficult but can be uncomfortable and cause gagging.

Staff will be on hand if people have difficulties.

Community vaccinations in Ludlow starts on Monday with the GP surgeries ready to get as many people as possible vaccinated in as short a time as they can.

A vaccination centre is also planned for Ludlow racecourse and it had been hoped that it would open next Monday but this may slip.

Ludlow GP Caron Morton has pledged that everyone over the age of 18, who wants a vaccination, will get one although the timetable will depend upon the availability of the vaccines.

“The GPs in the town are working flat out and people will get a vaccine,” she said.

But people must wait until they are contacted by the NHS and are asked not to contact the GP to find out when they will get the jab.

Three different vaccines have been approved for use in the UK and in Ludlow both the vaccine developed by Pfizler Bontech and the one that has been produced through a collaboration between Oxford University and Astrazeneca that is easier to store are being used to help speed up the process.

Eventually, it is intended that everyone will receive two doses of the vaccine although it is believed that a single dose provides some protection.

Infection levels that rocketed after Christmas have started to drop but the message is continue to keep to the rules. It is hoped that after a delay this will reduce hospitalisations and deaths.

Smithfield car park has been chosen as it is easily accessible without a car.

Those who do travel by car are being encouraged to park in the Galdeford Car Park and walk to the site. Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practicing good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the centre.

The testing centre in Ludlow is open from 8am until 8pm seven days a week. Tests can be booked by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

Testing is available for anyone who has one of the main COVID-19 symptoms, such as a high temperature, a new cough, or a change in sense of taste or smell.