A pop-up drive-thru coronavirus testing centre will be available for key workers this Sunday.

Watford Leisure Centre Central in Hempstead Road will be used by the military as a mobile testing centre for key workers.

This test is to find out if you have coronavirus currently - it is not a test to find out if you have already had the virus.

Any key worker or a member of their household, who has developed symptoms of Covid-19 in the last 72 hours, can be tested.

The testing centre will be open on Sunday April 26 between 10am and 4pm.

Read more: How to book a coronavirus test if you are a key worker - and who qualifies as one

Key workers can attend for at test if:

  • They have developed symptoms of Covid-19 in the last 72 hours – a persistent cough or a temperature of 37.8 or higher, and are now self-isolating
  • They live with someone who has developed symptoms of Covid-19 in the last 72 hours and are now self-isolating for 14 days
  • If an adult or child aged five or older lives in the household and has developed symptoms of Covid-19 in the last 72 hours, they can also be tested.

People must bring their work identification badge with them and attend in a car.

If the person needing a test is not the key worker, the key worker must also be in the car, again with their ID badge. Results will be available within 72 hours.

The testing is not open to the general public, and key workers who have not displayed symptoms of Covid-19 in the last 72 hours should not be visiting either.

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: "We know how vital testing is to tackling Covid-19 and saving lives; we want to play whatever part we can in protecting our key workers who are so essential at this difficult time.

"We are really pleased that one of our facilities can be put to good use by making it as easy as possible for people to get tested."

Key workers, as defined by the government, are:

  • NHS and social care staff, including doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers
  • producers and distributors of medicines, and medical and personal protective equipment
  • NHS Blood and Transplant frontline staff
  • those providing ancillary support to NHS workers (such as hotel accommodation for NHS staff)
  • Public safety and national security staff, including: police, Ministry of Defence staff, armed forces personnel and fire and rescue service staff
  • Education and childcare workers
  • Transport workers
  • essential public services staff, including prisons, probation, courts and tribunals staff, judiciary, religious staff
  • charities and workers delivering critical frontline services
  • Workers in food, drink and essential goods industries
  • Delivery service workers
  • undertakers
  • Council staff and civil servants, including those working with vulnerable children and adults, domestic abuse, and the homeless
  • journalists and broadcasters covering news

A drive-thru testing centre opened at Watford General Hospital this week.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust staff showing symptoms of Covid-19, as well as members of their household showing symptoms, are eligible for a test.

Watford Observer:

Testing centre at the hospital