Dragons Rugby are working with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to open Rodney Parade as a rapid testing location during the COVD-19 pandemic.
The home of the Dragons, Newport RFC and Newport County AFC has been provided free of charge as a base firstly for front-line NHS staff to check if they have the virus and are able to return or continue working on the front line.
The General Public are advised the facility is currently for NHS staff only and anyone showing symptoms of Coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough) should contact the NHS 111 service.
Dragons managing director Mark Jones said: "The health service and care workers are doing an incredible job in such difficult circumstances, so we are happy to offer our help and support in any way we can.
“Playing our part in the local community is the at heart of what we’re about at the Dragons and in times of crisis people stick together to help their community.
“We would urge everyone to follow the latest NHS advice on protecting themselves from the virus, particularly to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel.”
A statement from Aneurin Bevan Health Board read: “The health and wellbeing of our staff is essential for delivering services for the people of Gwent. It is fundamental during this time when the most vulnerable people need us most.
“We have set up a drive-through facility to test staff for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and help us get our teams back in to work on the front line. The testing site is located at Rodney Parade in Newport and we ask that everyone practises the stay-at-home guidance and do not visit the site.
“We are operating an internal process to assess our staff that are showing symptoms of the virus and booking them in for an appointment for testing. If you are showing symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), please contact the NHS 111 service.
“Everyone at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board would like to thank the team at Rodney Parade for their community-focussed approach and accommodating us during these difficult times.”
The health service and care workers are doing an incredible job in such difficult circumstances, so we are happy to offer our help and support in any way we can...
