Coronavirus: Two new mobile testing sites open in Dorset

The new mobile testing units in Swanage and Blandford are now open for residents to get tested

North Beach car park in Swanage
Author: Sophie CridlandPublished 5th Mar 2021

Two new mobile testing sites are now open in Dorset for residents who have COVID-19 symptoms and need a test.

Mobile coronavirus testing units will be available at Stour Meadows Car Park in Blandford and North Beach Car Park in Swanage.

The Stour Meadows site will be in operation Sunday to Wednesday each week.

There will be no parking available so drivers are being asked to plan ahead and find alternative parking.

Stourmead Car Park in Blandford

In Swanage, North Beach Car Park testing site will be available Thursday to Saturday each week.

Parking is also limited on these days but access for coastguards and visitors to the football ground is unaffected.

Rachel Partridge, Assistant Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils said:

"We welcome these new mobile testing sites which will help provide testing provision for residents in the north of the county and Purbeck area.

"If you do develop coronavirus symptoms, you must self-isolate and book a test. Your household must self-isolate until a result is received.

"Attending a test is one of the reasons you can leave home while we are in a national lockdown."

Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council's Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and 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 additional mobile testing units.

"If anyone develops coronavirus symptoms, do not hesitate, book a test online or over the phone."

These other sites in Dorset are available for residents to book a Covid-19 test:

  • Bridport
  • Dorchester
  • Swannery Car Park, Weymouth
  • Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, Portland
  • Hawkwood Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth
  • Lansdowne, Bournemouth
  • Wallisdown, Bournemouth
  • Creekmoor, Poole
  • Dolphin Swimming Pool Car Park, Poole
  • Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch

If you develop coronavirus symptoms: a new, continuous cough, a high temperature, a loss or change of sense of smell, or a loss or change of sense of taste, you must self-isolate and book a test.

People can book a COVID-19 test using the online portal www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119. Home testing kits are available for those who can't get to a testing site.

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