More mobile testing sites for Dorset

Its hoped residents in Dorset will be able to access testing more quickly and easily.

Two more mobile coronavirus testing units have been set up in the county.

They're at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy on Portland and Station Road Car Park in Sturminster Newton and start operating from Monday 11 January.

If any residents 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, they must self-isolate and book a test.

How to 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.

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

"We welcome the additional mobile testing units. This means that even more locations in Dorset are being visited by the units for those residents who need a COVID-19 test.

"If you do develop coronavirus symptoms, it is really important that you and your household self-isolate and a test is booked. Your household must self-isolate until a result is received."

"Attending a test is one of the reasons you can leave home for but only travel by private transport or walk to your appointment."

As well as Portland and Sturminster Newton, the following sites are available for residents to book a COVID-19 test depending on where the sites are scheduled to be on the day and their capacity:

Bridport

Dorchester

Swannery Car Park, Weymouth

Purbeck Park

Hawkwood Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth

Lansdowne, Bournemouth

Creekmoor, Poole

Dolphin Swimming Pool Car Park, Poole

Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch

Wallisdown testing site will be out of use for most of January to help students return back to Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth safely.