A NEW Covid-19 mobile testing unit is due to open in Purbeck next week.

The facility at Purbeck Park Car Park – also known locally as the Norden Park & Ride Car Park­ – will provide increased access to testing for residents in the district who may find it hard to access existing testing sites, public health bosses say.

It will be at the car park, near Corfe Castle, on Tuesday, November 24.

Sam Crowe, director of public health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils, said: “We welcome the new testing site at Purbeck Park which we hope will make getting coronavirus tests more accessible for our residents in the Purbeck area.

“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 new 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.”

Then the mobile unit will move to Wareham, where it will be based every Thursday starting from November 26.

Signage will be in place directing residents to the mobile unit.

•All you need to know about the other new mobile Covid-19 unit at Boscombe

Meanwhile, Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for adult social care and health said: “The new Covid-19 mobile testing unit will give the opportunity for residents who live in the more rural areas of our county to access testing.

“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.”

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