A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility for those with symptoms has opened at Magnet Leisure Centre Car Park at Holmanleaze in Maidenhead,

It is part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities and visits must be booked in advance.

Testing at this site is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to 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.

ALSO VIEW: Covid vaccination rate must double to lift lockdown by May

The new site can be reached without a car. Those being tested are required to follow public health measures including social distancing, must not travel by public transport and must wear a face mask.

Testing at the new site started Friday.

The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history which has the capacity to process more than 700,000 tests a day and includes more than 750 sites across the UK, including 85 drive-through sites, 457 walk-through sites, six Lighthouse laboratories, home testing and satellite kits and a large number of mobile units.

ALSO Coronavirus in Berkshire round up - Sunday, January 24

Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts.

Health Minister, Lord Bethell, said: “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.”

The testing centre is being operated in partnership with Serco and will offer self-administered tests.