A pop-up testing centre at Tauriko that doesn't open until 9am is already ‘countless cars long' according to a Sunlive reader.

The only pop-up community testing centre for the western Bay of Plenty today is open from 9am – 3pm in the underground carpark at The Crossing, Tauriko.

'Today I have conjunctivitis, swollen throat, difficulty breathing, massive headache, temperature, aches and pains so like, almost all the Covid symptom list,” says a SunLive reader.

'I'm currently sitting in my car in line at the Tauriko Covid testing station that doesn't open until 9 but is already countless cars long. I was one of the first in line. It's an amazing set up there.

"I actually went to 2nd Ave first. I turned up at 7.45am, by the time they opened [at 8am], the line was half way down the street. People standing. They want you to get out of your car and wait standing in line. I rang reception and was like 'someone needs to come to me, I'm not going to hang out near people'. And they refused."

SunLive readers are reporting that the flow of cars and testing is progressing quickly at the Tauriko site.

As well as the Tauriko pop-up testing centre there are two other facilities open in the western Bay of Plenty today for COVID-19 testing - one in Katikati and one in Tauranga.

The Katikati Medical Centre is open today from 8.30am – 12pm for Covid-19 testing.

In Tauranga, Accident and HealthCare in 2^nd Ave is open from 8am – 9pm.

In the eastern Bay of Plenty, COVID-19 testing is available at 52B King St, Whakatane from 10am – 4pm. This is a portacom outside Med Central, behind Adamson's Pharmacy with entry via James Street.

The Ron Hardie Recreation Centre in Kawerau, which was open yesterday, is closed today.

People are advised to get tested if they are experiencing the following COVID-19 symptoms - a new or worsening cough, fever (at least 38˚C), shortness of breath, a sore throat, sneezing and runny nose, and a temporary loss of smell.

Anyone with symptoms, if unable to attend a community testing centre, is advised to contact their doctor who will advise whether they need to be tested. To contact Acccident & Healthcare phone 07 577 0010 or phone Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for further advice and assistance.

There are 49 COVID-19 testing services in the Bay of Plenty which will be open on Monday.

• Edgecumbe
• Katikati
• Kawerau
• Matata
• Mount Maunganui
• Ōhope
• Omokoroa
• Ōpōtiki
• Ōtūmoetai
• Pāpāmoa
• Ruatahuna
• Tāneatua
• Tauranga
• Te Kaha
• Te Puke
• Waihi Beach
• Whakatāne

Changes to the community testing services can be found here, and it is a good idea to check the page for the latest times and dates.