A MASS testing programme is to be rolled out across Hampshire this week with a site set up in Andover.

Town residents and employees will now be able to get rapid coronavirus tests at Picket Twenty sports ground.

It comes as the government has given the green light to a bid submitted by councils in Hampshire.

The six-week scheme will aim to identify asymptomatic people.

Those who have to leave home for work and  who are not covered by existing workplace testing schemes will have access to rapid lateral flow tests.

Among the residents expected to have access to the tests there are childminders, transport and construction workers and teachers.

Tests can be booked online 24 hours in advance through any district website or on Hampshire County Council website.

Residents will be asked not to eat anything  for 30 minutes prior to their tests which will involve a self-administered swab of the nose and throat.

Results will be confirmed  by text message.

Each resident will be able to book two tests per week between three and five days after their first test throughout the six-week programme.

Other testing centres have been set up at South Ham Library in Basingstoke; Alton Sports Centre; The Point in Eastleigh; Fareham College; Thorngate Hall Community Centre in Gosport; Hart District Council offices; Havant Library; Totton Health and Leisure Centre; Winchester Discovery Centre and Farnborough Leisure Centre.

The county council’s executive member for public health, Councillor Judith Grajewski, said: “This is a hugely positive and important development in our response to the pandemic and our continued efforts to protect the health of residents. Around one in three people with Covid-19 display no symptoms and could be spreading the virus without knowing. Community testing will help prevent transmission and break chains of infection, by identifying more cases quickly and ensuring that people are supported to self-isolate. I would urge everyone who has to leave home for work to come forward for regular testing to protect themselves, their loved ones and our communities.”

She added: “I would like to reassure anyone who is visiting these sites to access the usual services that stringent infection control measures are in place. The layout at each site has been carefully designed to ensure people can move around them safely to prevent any possible spread of the virus. Furthermore, social distancing will be maintained throughout the testing process and trained staff will be in attendance on site, to guide people through the testing process and ensure that tests are completed safely and effectively.”