Covid-19 testing sites to become more accessible

Local residents in Weymouth, Poole and Christchurch are set to see increased access to testing with the introduction of walk-in ‘local testing sites’ (LTS).

The walk-in testing sites will be located at:

• Swannery Car Park, Weymouth
• Dolphin Swimming Car Park, Poole
• Two Riversmeet Car Park, Christchurch

These sites are already in use and are currently visited around twice a week by a mobile testing unit but from the middle of January the sites will be at these locations every day.

The Weymouth, Poole and Christchurch sites will be available to book on the online portal by visiting by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119. Home testing kits are available for those who can’t get to a testing site.

Rachel Partridge, Assistant Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole said: “We welcome the news of the walk-in sites at Weymouth, Poole and Christchurch being available every day for residents who don’t have access to private transport. We are always reviewing our testing sites to make sure we have enough access to testing for residents who need a COVID-19 test.

Cllr Nicola Greene, BCP Council’s Cabinet Member for COVID Resilience and Public 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 walk-in sites. It is really important to have testing available to those who need it. If anyone develops coronavirus symptoms, do not hesitate, book a test online or over the phone.”

Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said: “it’s great news that the walk-in sites will be available every-day from January. We are still very much living with COVID-19 so it is important that testing is accessible to everyone.

Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms: a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change of taste or smell must self-isolate and book a test.

The full list of testing sites available in Dorset are:

• Bridport
• Dorchester
• Swannery Car Park, Weymouth
• Purbeck Park
• Hawkwood Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth
• Wallisdown, Bournemouth
• Lansdowne, Bournemouth
• Creekmoor, Poole
• Dolphin Swimming Pool Car Park, Poole
• Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch

Each site will be made available to book depending on their scheduled location and capacity.

Wallisdown testing site will be out of use during January to help students return back to Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth safely.