COVID-19 testing facilities open over Christmas

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms: a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change of taste or smell you must book a test.

Book a COVID-19 test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119.

The following sites will be available to residents depending on where the sites are scheduled to be on the day and their capacity:

• 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

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

Rachel Partridge, Assistant Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole said: “Even though it is Christmas time and we all want to relax and enjoy, unfortunately we do still need to remain alert to the threat of COVID-19 and be vigilant to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

“For example, if you do develop COVID-19 symptoms, you must book a test and self-isolate with anyone in your household or support bubble whilst waiting for the result. Our testing sites will be working and available over the festive season. Obviously this would not be great timing and may interrupt your Christmas plans which is upsetting, but everyone needs to do their bit to help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Dorset.”

Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said: “No-one wants to fall ill over Christmas, especially with COVID-19 but we are still living with this virus. It is great news that all sites remain open over the Christmas and New Year period so everyone has access to testing.

Cllr Nicola Greene, BCP Council’s Cabinet Member for COVID Resilience and Public Health said: “I’m really pleased that all our local testing sites will remain open over the festive period. Although we're all hoping for a happy, healthy Christmas, it’s reassuring to know that local residents can access testing quickly and easily should they need it.”