Coronavirus testing sites across Hertfordshire will be staying open over Christmas and New Year.

Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group says regional and local test sites will operate on slightly reduced hours on some public holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but will be open as normal on other days.

During the festive period the CCG is urging people across the county to get a test at the first sign of symptoms as coronavirus cases continue to rise.

Symptoms of the virus include a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Hertfordshire’s director of public health Jim McManus says it is “vital” for those with Covid-19 symptoms to get a test and that they do so “straightaway”.

He said: “Testing is vital in preventing and reducing the spread of the virus and protecting others – and is even more important now given the prevalence of the virus in our communities.

“Testing sites across the county will remain open throughout the Christmas period, so if you do develop symptoms it’s crucial that you get yourself tested straightaway and follow isolation rules.”

To book a site test or a home test go to https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus or contact the telephone call centre on 119 between 7am and 11pm. If you have hearing or speech difficulties the number to call is 18001 0300 303 2713.