A NEW walk-through coronavirus testing site opened in Sutton today (October 13).

The site, located at Sutton Civic Centre Car Park, is part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for communities.

The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history, which now includes more than 500 sites available across the UK, including 77 drive-through sites, 172 walk-through sites, 258 mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and five mega laboratories.

Testing at the new site will start today with appointments made available each day.

Surrey Comet:

Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Scully said: "I'm really pleased to hear the positive news about increased capacity for testing in Sutton.

"The location is right in the middle of the town centre, providing easy access for those needing a test.

"Along with the recent addition of a mobile testing unit in Overton Park, it's good to see that Sutton is getting the testing provision that we need in order to test as many people with symptoms as possible to reach the target of 500,000 tests a day by the end of October."

Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

MORE: Concern as each Sutton school 'gets just TEN coronavirus test kits'

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.

Surrey Comet:

Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts.

This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

MORE: New test centre opens in Morden

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus.

They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said: “Our new walk through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

"This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand testing across the UK to deliver 500,000 tests a day by the end of October.

“Please book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms: a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste.

“Everybody should continue to think hands, face, space, and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted – this is the only way we can return to a more normal way of life.”

To book a test visit here .