A NEW coronavirus testing site has been constructed in a Weymouth car park as efforts to curb the spread of the virus is ramped up.
The walk-in testing site has opened at Swannery Car Park as part of a drive for residents to be able to get daily Covid-19 tests.
A section of the car park was previously cordoned off as part of use for a mobile testing unit, which was open two days a week. But the new site is now up and running every day as Dorset continues to experience hundreds of new cases of coronavirus daily.
Workers moved in to the car park this week to construct the testing site, with cranes spotted to install testing cabins on the site. Fencing has been installed, along with floodlights and generators.
People follow a one-way system around the site, with staff members on hand to provide advice about carrying out their tests safely.
Signage posted on the neighbouring toilets state that anyone using the coronavirus testing site cannot use its facilities.
It is hoped that the introduction of this walk-in site, and others around Dorset, will make testing more accessible for residents. The remaining section of Swannery Car Park will remain open.
Coronavirus tests at the site are available to book on the online portal at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119. Home testing kits are also available.
Rachel Partridge, assistant director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole said: “We welcome the news of the walk-in site being available every day for residents who don’t have access to private transport.
"We are always reviewing our testing sites to make sure we have enough access to testing for residents who need a Covid-19 test.
Councillor Nicola Greene, BCP Council’s Cabinet Member for Covid Resilience and Public Health, said: “It’s reassuring to know that local residents can access testing quickly and easily should they need it with the introduction of the walk-in sites.
"It is really important to have testing available to those who need it.
“If anyone develops coronavirus symptoms, do not hesitate, book a test online or over the phone.”
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