Yesterday, I was encouraged to receive a letter from the Department of Health and Social Care, informing me that a new Coronavirus testing site will soon be opening at Hersham Village Hall. This is good news for the community, as it will make it easier to access tests and tackle the virus.

The new testing site is part of an expansion of ‘walk-through’ sites across the UK, complementing the existing drive-through testing network, home testing and the Mobile Testing Units which have been travelling across the country. This will help the NHS Test and Trace service (which has processed more than 38 million tests since the pandemic began) to expand testing even further.

It is important to remember that anybody with Coronavirus symptoms can get a test. So, if you are experiencing a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, you can book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus, by calling 119, or by using the NHS Covid-19 app. You will be told where the nearest testing site is and have the option to order a home testing kit if you cannot reach a testing site.

Of course, you and anyone you live with must self-isolate as soon as you develop symptoms. If you are working and receiving benefits, you may be eligible for a £500 payment to support you during the period of self-isolation. More information on this is available here.

Local residents have continued to show great resolve in recent weeks. While the winter months will be tough, I encourage everyone to keep up the good work, sticking to the rules and keeping each other safe.