Drive-through Covid test site opening for three days in Fordingbridge car park

A NEW temporary coronavirus test site is being opened in Fordingbridge to help residents in more rural areas to get checked.

The A338 slip road car park, owned by New Forest District Council, will be closed from 19th to 21st February so it can be used as a drive-through site by Hampshire County Council.

Leader Cllr Keith Mans said: “The county council operates three mobile testing units which travel to areas of greatest need across the county on a monthly rotation, ensuring that residents with Covid symptoms have access to prompt and convenient testing.

“Our testing team has been working with New Forest District Council and the local parish council to offer a drive-through testing option to serve the local community and a mobile testing unit will be deployed to Fordingbridge.”

NFDC’s cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, Cllr Edward Heron, added: “This is particularly important so our residents in more rural areas, who may not have ready access to public transport are able to quickly and safely access testing without the need to travel great distances.”

Visits to the site are by appointment only and can be booked by calling 119 or online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test