Two new testing sites to screen people for the Covid-19 virus have opened in Epsom and Ewell.

The sites are part of a Surrey-wide initiative to monitor any potential cases of the virus as closely as possible, via testing, as the number of new people becoming infected with the virus continues to fall with the ongoing lockdown.

Testing sites for people not displaying any Covid symptoms but who cannot work at home are now available in several locations in Surrey, including Bourne Hall in Ewell.

With around one in three people infected with coronavirus not displaying any symptoms of having the disease at all, asymptomatic testing is seen as a crucial element in the continued battle against its spread.

Bourne Hall in Ewell represents one of three "pilot" testing sites for those without symptoms in Surrey

All three will use rapid "lateral flow" tests that allow staff and volunteers working on site to get results on whether a person is infected with Covid-19 within minutes and typically under an hour, without the need for laboratory processing.

"Symptom-free testing for people who are still going into their workplace during national restrictions is one of the most effective ways of ensuring our infection rate continues to drop in Surrey," Ruth Hutchinson, Surrey County Council's director of public health, said.

"Targeted Community Testing will help us to break the chain of transmission by identifying people who have no symptoms of Covid-19, and would otherwise be out and about in the community, potentially spreading the virus further," she added.

 
 

Meanwhile, a further testing site in Epsom town has opened for people exhibiting coronavirus symptoms such as a temperature or fever, new and continuous cough and/or a loss or change in one's sense of taste or smell.

The walkthrough new walk-through testing facility will be available for anyone who books an appointment and is located on Upper High Street Car Park (KT17 4DU) in Epsom.

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

"New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live.

"If you have symptoms of coronavirus, 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," Health Minister Lord Bethall said.

For more on getting tested for Covid-19, click here.