A new Covid testing site is to open in Andover this Saturday.

The facility, to be based at Shepherds Spring Lane car park, will offer appointments for those with symptoms to book appointments.

The site is designed to be a walk-through facility, though parking spaces will be available for those who need to drive.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, councillor Phil North, said: “Vaccinations and mass testing are both absolutely pivotal in enabling us to navigate our way out of this pandemic. Having provided council-owned buildings to our NHS colleagues for the vaccination centres, I’m really pleased that we’ve also been able to provide this car park as a testing facility – which will enable users to both walk-up and drive to the site. Making it much easier for local residents to get a test.

“While another national lockdown is tough to take, there is light at the end of the tunnel if we all pull together and do the right thing. If you have any symptoms of coronavirus, then please do get tested and don’t risk passing it to your loved ones or others around you.”

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms, which include a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste, should book a test via the NHS website, app or by calling 119.

After booking a test at the centre, they will be invited to attend an appointment, and will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book at test if they develop symptoms.

As of Wednesday, January 13, 84 people had tested positive for Covid in Test Valley, bringing the overall total to 3,432.