Residents encouraged to keep up the hard work as COVID cases fall back
People in Oxfordshire are being encouraged to keep up the good work as the county reports a drop in COVID-19 cases across most age groups.
All areas of the county have reported a decline in cases, although numbers still remain high in all districts. Oxford City is once again seeing the highest rates. The current weekly rate for Oxfordshire stands at 295.5 per 100,000 population, which is a 20 per cent reduction from last week.
Mobile testing units will remain in place in Oxford City until at least the 4 August. These are open to all adults and no booking is required.
If you have any symptoms and live outside Oxford City, book a PCR test using the national booking system.
Val Messenger, Oxfordshire County Council’s Deputy Director for Public Health, said: “In line with the national picture, we have seen a drop in cases across Oxfordshire over the past seven days. However, despite the overall decrease, rates remain high and it is clear the virus still presents a significant risk. We also know that case rates are likely to continue to fluctuate in the weeks ahead as we see the impact of the lifting of lockdown.
“It’s clear that everyone’s hard work to control the virus over the past few weeks is starting to make a difference, and we’re encouraging everyone to keep it up. Continue wearing a face covering in enclosed or crowded spaces, such as on public transport or in shops. Wash your hands regularly, socialise outdoors if you can, maintain space between yourself and others and ventilate rooms while you are indoors.
“Of course, our protection against the virus will increase as more of us are double vaccinated. So, we’re urging people, once more, to come forward to get their first and second jabs as soon as they can and continue to get tested regularly – especially if you have symptoms.”
Current case rates in Oxfordshire up to 23 July
- Cherwell 311.6 per 100,000
- Oxford 337.1 per 100,000
- South Oxfordshire 259.1 per 100,000
- Vale of White Horse 273.5 per 100,000
- West Oxfordshire 290.1 per 100,000
Testing options for people in Oxford
Oxford remains a national enhanced response area after large rises in cases in early July. Testing options for people in the city are listed below.
The mobile testing units are open for business 10am - 8pm (no appointment is needed):
The venues are:
- South Park (St Clement’s end)
- The Blavatnik School of Government, Walton Street (on the right hand side of the front of the building)
- Manzil Way Gardens, Cowley Road.
- Headington carpark, Old High Street (behind Waitrose)
- Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre carpark, Pegasus Road (behind the leisure centre adjacent to the football pitch).
The testing centres at Oxford Brookes University and Osney Lane are also open every day 8am - 8pm, including for those without symptoms, but people need to book an appointment on gov.uk
Arrangements outside Oxford City
People are asked to continue with twice-weekly rapid lateral flow testing and, if they have any symptoms, book a PCR test.
There are five PCR testing centres open seven days a week:
- Oxford Parkway, near Kidlington (OX2 8HA) – drive-through
- Woodgreen Leisure Centre, Banbury (OX16 0HS)
- Osney Lane, Oxford (OX1 1NY)
- Oxford Brookes University (OX3 0BP)
- Woodford Way Carpark, Witney (OX28 6JS).
Additional PCR testing sites will be available at additional locations throughout the week. Booking is still required.
- Wheatley Campus, Oxford Brookes (OX33 1HX)
29 July, 2 to 4 August - Monahan Way Pavilions, Carterton (OX18 3AN)
29 July, 2 to 4 August - Jubilee Avenue, Milton Park (OX14 4RX)
31 July to 1 August - Chinnor Rugby Club (Rectory Pavilion) (OX9 3JL)
30 to 31 July - Bodicote House, Banbury (OX15 4AA)
29 July, 1 to 4 August
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