Mobile coronavirus testing units will be available at The Sailing Academy on Portland and Station Road Car Park in Sturminster Newton from 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.

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.”

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.”

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.