A drive-thru coronavirus testing centre will be in Watford weekly for the foreseeable future.

In total, there will be three weekly test centres in Hertfordshire - but you must book a test online on the government website.

Only key workers and selected groups are eligible for these tests - with health authorities warning that tests are only "effective" if you are in your first three days of coronavirus symptoms - most commonly a cough or fever.

Last Sunday, there was a drive-thru centre at Watford Leisure Centre Central but there was no need to book. Now, you must book.

This coronavirus test is to check whether you have the virus now. It does not tell you if you have already had the virus.

For a list of key workers, as defined by the government, visit, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

Who is eligible to be tested at the drive thru centres?

  • All key workers who are in the first three days of showing symptoms of coronavirus.
  • Anyone aged 65 or over who is in the first three days of showing symptoms of coronavirus
  • Anyone who is in the first three days of showing symptoms of coronavirus whose work cannot be done from home.
  • Anyone who is in the first three days of showing symptoms of coronavirus and lives with any of those identified above

Where are the drive-thru centres I can visit?

Watford

Watford Leisure Centre Central, Hempstead Road, Watford, WD17 3HA.

It will be there every Sunday 10am - 4pm

Stevenage

Hertfordshire County Council's office, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2ST

It will be there every Monday 10am-4pm

Hertford

County Hall, Hertford, SG13 8DQ

It will be there every Saturday 10am -4pm

Wembley

IKEA 2 Drury Way, N Circular Rd, London NW10 0TH

Drive-thru testing available everyday

Stansted Airport

Bassingbourn Road, Stansted CM24 1QW

Drive-thru testing available everyday

What happens at the drive-thru centre?

You’ll stay in your vehicle during your visit.

An assistant can do the swab test for you, or you can choose to do it yourself (instructions will be given).

You’ll receive your test results by text message. Most people get their results within 48 hours, but it could take up to five days.

How do I book a drive-thru test?

You must book online on the government website. If you are visiting the testing centre in Watford, you will need to apply for a test the day earlier on the Saturday.

If you are visiting Stevenage, you must apply on on the Sunday, and if you are visiting Hertford, you must apply on the Friday.

This is because the online booking system will only show you details of test locations which are available in the following 24 hours.

A maximum of 250 tests a day can be taken at the Hertfordshire locations.

To book a test, go online to www.gov.uk/coronavirus and enter your details. You will be sent a booking code.

What if I don't drive?

To visit a drive-thru testing centre, you must be in a vehicle. If you do not drive, you can order for a test to be delivered to your home.

Dr Jim McManus from Public Health Hertfordshire says the number of mail-order coronavirus tests for Hertfordshire residents has increased.

Only those who meet the criteria stated at the top of this article are eligible for a home test.

Visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus to request a test to be delivered to your home.

Other testing centres for NHS/social care staff

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust has its own dedicated coronavirus testing centre for staff at Watford General Hospital.

For NHS, social care and care home or nursing home staff only, and members of their household, displaying symptoms of coronavirus, you can visit:

Howard Court, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1BW

Harpenden Memorial Hospital, Harpenden, AL5 4TA

Transport is provided to take staff who do not have access to a car to either Howard Court or Harpenden Memorial Hospital to be tested.