All aboard Luton's Covid-19 testing bus!

Luton Borough Council has teamed up with London Luton Airport to provide the rapid (lateral) flow testing facility which can easily be driven to and parked at convenient locations throughout town.

There are currently three testing sites where people can attend between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.

But as people are being encouraged to have twice-weekly tests, the new mobile bus will be a valuable fourth addition to the town's testing facilities.

Having the ability to be in different locations will also make it easier for members of the public to get tested.

On Thursday 4 and Friday 5 March, between 10.00am and 5.00pm, the bus will be parked in the car park at Lidl Superstore on Francis Street, close to Bury Park.

No tickets or bus passes are required. I you live, work or study in Luton and have no Covid-19 symptoms you can come along and have a rapid test - it’s quick, easy and safe. You will receive your results by text or email within 45 minutes.

Councillor Khtija Malik, portfolio holder for health, said: “This is the latest of a number of innovative schemes we are putting in place in the battle to reduce the Covid-19 case rates in the town. By using this airport bus we will be able to travel to different locations around Luton, going to the public and making it easier for individuals to have a quick test.

“As a significant number of people have tested positive without displaying any symptoms, this form of testing is a useful way of identifying those who otherwise might have passed the virus on to others.”

Neil Thompson, operations director at London Luton Airport said: “We’re proud to support Luton Council in the fight against coronavirus.

"With more than a hundred colleagues volunteering at local vaccination centres and having provided space in our car parks for community testing, it’s great we can now support this mobile facility.”

All of the usual Covid-19 safety measures will be in place, the bus and testing processes have been risk assessed, ensuring that people who use this facility will be safe and can feel confident that their safety is assured.

Future dates and venues are listed below and all timings will be from 10am to 5pm:

> March 09 and 10 - Futures House, The Moakes (Marsh Farm) LU3 3QB

> March 11 - High Town Community Sports & Arts Centre (Active Luton) Concorde Street LU2 0JD

> March 16 - Leagrave Library, Marsh Road LU3 2NL

> March 17 and 18 - Luton Central Mosque, 2-10 Westbourne Road LU4 8JD

For more information see the council website.