The mobile testing unit is being relocated to Swannery Car Park to provide increased access to testing for residents in Weymouth who may find it hard to access existing testing sites due to not having their own transport.

All tests must be booked in advance via the national portal. Residents with no internet access can phone 119 for a test.

When booking a COVID-19 test you will get a choice of sites, depending where they are located that day and their capacity. Sites are at:

• Bridport
• Dorchester
• Purbeck Park
• Hawkwood Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth
• Wallisdown, Bournemouth
• Lansdowne, Bournemouth
• Creekmoor, Poole

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils, said: “The testing site at Weymouth Park and Ride has served residents well during the coronavirus pandemic but re-locating it to Swannery Car Park will make getting coronavirus tests more accessible for our residents in Weymouth.

“Identifying and isolating cases quickly is critical to controlling the spread of COVID-19. We have been working with partners to identify the best places for sites to ensure Dorset residents can access testing when they need it.

“Anyone who develops any symptoms of COVID-19 – a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change of taste or smell – should book a test online and self-isolate with everyone in their household or support bubble whilst they wait for the result.”

All sites have capacity to do COVID-19 tests.

Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said: “By relocating the mobile testing unit to Swannery Car Park, there will be more opportunities for residents who live in the Weymouth area who do not have access to private transport to access testing by foot or by bike.

“It is really important that as soon as you start developing symptoms of COVID-19 that you book a test online or if you don’t have access to the internet to call 119 and book a test.”

People should only book a test if they have COVID-19 symptoms: new continuous cough, high temperature, change or loss in sense of smell, change or loss in sense of taste.

All tests must be book in advance through the national portal.