A new walk-through coronavirus testing centre has opened in Basildon. 

Only those with symptoms will be allowed to book an appointment at the Adult Community College, in Churchill Avenue. 

The move is part of the Government’s plan improve access to coronavirus testing.

Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch.

"We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

“New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live.

"If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”

Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, added: “Walk through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

"This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand our testing network across the UK which is now has the capacity to process more than 500,000 tests a day.

"We will continue to expand capacity to improve test turnaround times and push forward testing innovations to make sure anyone who needs a test can get one.

“Please book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms: a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste, and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted.”

The testing centre, which opened yesterday, is being operated in partnership with G4S and will offer self-administered tests.

Gordon Brockington, G4S Director, said: “We are proud of our important role in setting up and managing this Covid-19 testing site, and other similar sites across the UK.

"It has been inspiring to see the enthusiasm of our employees to step up and support the government, our health services and the public during this crisis.”

Testing is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.