Up until now, the only local regional testing centre was at Creekmoor (only accessible by car) plus mobile testing units that visit Weymouth, Bridport and Dorchester on a rotating basis, accessible by both car and on foot. All tests must be booked in advance via the national portal.

As from 21 October, the mobile testing unit will be calling at Wallisdown. It operates from 10am–3pm and the scheduled days will vary, with availability posted on the national test booking facility, as this is the only way to gain appointments at the unit. Signage will also be in place.

Sam Crowe, director of Public Health Dorset explains, “As we are seeing numbers rise, it is critical that cases are identified as quickly as possible to help control the spread of the virus. Accessible testing is extremely important and we are therefore making applications to the government for local test sites in the county that our local communities can also walk to.”

In addition, a new type of Department of Health and Social Care testing facility, known as Local Testing Sites (LTS), will soon be available.

LTS are accessed by foot and are typically in place for a minimum of three months. They are designed to be situated in residential areas, highly populated locations or neighbourhoods with low car ownership. The first local testing site in Dorset is due to open at Lansdowne later this month, with the Health Protection Board planning applications for further sites in due course. As with the regional testing site and mobile testing units, all appointments need to be booked online in advance.