MID Devon District Council has been working closely with the national testing programme to open a new test facility for COVID-19.

The temporary testing site is specifically for people showing symptoms of COVID-19 who are either essential workers in Mid Devon, or are aged over 65. Family members of these groups, who are showing symptoms, are also eligible for testing.

From tomorrow, Thursday, April 30, a mobile unit will be situated in the car park at Exe Valley Leisure Centre at Bolham Road, Tiverton, EX16 6SG.

The facility is being delivered by the Ministry of Defence on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care. The site will be staffed by approximately eight to 12 military personnel from 8am until 5pm (times subject to change).

If you are an essential worker, or you are aged over 65, and are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, or someone from your family is displaying symptoms then you can access the service. You should be tested as soon as possible from when you first display symptoms (within three days).

You can read more about the testing eligibility and can book a test using the Government’s online portal: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested .

You will need to show ID at the testing centre. You must not arrive at the testing site without a scheduled appointment.

This is a drive through facility so you must arrive in a vehicle in order to be tested. Please do not leave your vehicle and take instructions upon arrival at the site.

The whole site will be deep cleaned when the testing site has been closed, so that it can safely be returned to its normal use once government guidance allows.

Stephen Walford, Chief Executive of MDDC, said: “We are working closely with our public health colleagues to support this vital work and are grateful that our local communities can now access a testing service much closer to home. As a Council we are working hard to support our communities through this crisis and this is another way we can help.”

The current government guidance:

• Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)

• If you go out, stay two metres (6ft) away from other people at all times

• Wash your hands as soon as you get home

• Do not meet others, even friends or family.

Remember, you can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.

To check out the latest Mid Devon information visit: www.middevon.gov.uk .

For Government Coronavirus information visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus .