TWO new mobile testing sites for residents who have Covid-19 symptoms have been established in Dorset.

The mobile units will be available at North Beach Car Park in Swanage and Blandford's Stour Meadows Car Park from March 1.

In Swanage testing days will be Thursday to Saturday every week, and there will be limited parking spaces available at North Beach Car Park at these times.

Access for coastguards and visitors to the football ground will be unaffected.

The Stour Meadows site will be in operation Sunday to Wednesday each week, with drivers wishing to park in the area asked to plan ahead and find alternative parking on these days.

Rachel Partridge, assistant director of public health for Dorset and BCP Councils, said: “We welcome these new mobile testing sites which will help provide testing provision for residents in the north of the county and Purbeck area.

“If you do develop coronavirus symptoms, you must self-isolate and book a test. Your household must self-isolate until a result is received.

“Attending a test is one of the reasons you can leave home while we are in a national lockdown.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for adult social care and health said: “It’s reassuring to know that local residents can access testing quickly and easily should they need it with the introduction of the additional mobile testing units.

"If anyone develops coronavirus symptoms, do not hesitate, book a test online or over the phone.”

People can book a Covid-19 test using the online portal www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119.

Home testing kits are available for those who can’t get to a testing site.

As well as Blandford and Swanage, the following sites are available for residents to book a Covid-19 test depending on where the sites are scheduled to be on the day and their capacity:

• Hawkwood Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth

• Lansdowne, Bournemouth

• Wallisdown, Bournemouth

• Creekmoor, Poole

• Dolphin Swimming Pool Car Park, Poole

• Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch