A NEW walk-through Covid-19 testing facility has opened for those with symptoms to book appointments at Hengrove Leisure Car Park in Bristol, as part of the government’s drive to improve the accessibility of testing for local communities.

Testing at this site is only available for those with Covid-19 symptoms - a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test online here or by calling 119.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Testing at the new site started on Tuesday, January 12, with appointments made available each day.

The site is one of more than 750 sites across the UK, including 83 drive-through sites and 431 walk-through sites.

The testing centre is being operated in partnership with G4S and will offer self-administered tests.

Alex Lever, managing director of G4S’s testing site programme, said: "The Bristol walk-through site will play a key role in supporting the national response to the pandemic and we are extraordinarily proud of our dedicated employees at Covid-19 testing sites across the UK.

"Their enthusiasm has been inspiring as they continue to support the government, our health services and the public in this crisis."

Lord Bethell, health minister, said: "New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test, no matter where you live.

"If you have symptoms, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus."