Siân Gwenllian MS has stated her disbelief that it’s estimated to be another two weeks until a new testing centre is to be set up in Bangor.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said on Friday, “A new local testing centre is due to open in Bangor within two weeks.
“The local health board also has three mobile testing units and community testing centres in Ysbyty Alltwen and Ysbyty Gwynedd, which can be used to test members of the public in the event of an outbreak in the area.”
With the exception of community testing and mobile swab units – mainly used by health workers and in outbreak areas – the nearest testing facility for those booking an online test in north west Wales has been Llandudno.
The Member of the Senedd for Arfon, a constituency that encompasses Bangor said: “The Welsh Government doesn’t seem to have heard of forward planning, even after months of the pandemic.
“I cannot believe that it will be another two weeks before we get a new testing centre in Bangor.”
Siân Gwenllian’s frustration comes in light of an increase in cases in Gwynedd, and fears that the county could enter a local lockdown.
“It was evident that we would need more testing when students returned to school, local colleges, and Bangor University.
“This situation is simply not good enough. Efficient testing and tracing is essential to halt the spread of the virus.”
The MS has this week tabled questions to Vaughan Gething, the Health Minister.
“I have asked the Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, when will Ysbyty Alltwen and Parc Menai community testing centres resume Covid testing. I’ve also asked what community testing facilities are available in Gwynedd, and what facilities are available to test key workers in Gwynedd.”
