A MOBILE coronavirus testing unit has been set-up in Basingstoke.

Located at the Leisure Park and operated by the Army, it was first set-up on Sunday and it's believed today will be its last day there, after an initial booking of three days.

Here is everything we know about the facility.

Where is it?

The pop-up, mobile testing centre is located at the Leisure Park in Basingstoke. Specifically, it is located across two levels in the car park next to Hollywood Bowl, the aquadrome and Planet Ice.

What is it?

The testing unit consists of three tents, with a number of soldiers there to take the swabs. Cars drive up to each tent, where soldiers are positioned.

It's one of many mobile coronavirus testing centres that have been set up by the government and are being run by the Army.

They were launched towards the end of April as the government tried to reach its target of 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of the month.

The number of new mobile units is being scaled up after a successful pilot last month, which saw Department of Health and Social Care vehicles refitted to fully functioning testing sites, following a design developed by the Royal Engineers of the British Army.

Mobile facilities can be set up in under 20 minutes, allowing the testing of hundreds of people each day and are now travelling to those most in need and hard to reach. Specially trained Armed Forces personnel will collect swabs at the mobile sites, before they are sent to mega-labs for processing. Those tested will receive results within 48 hours.

The Department for Health said last month that 96 units would be ready for deployment at the start of this month.

Why is it here?

The units respond to the demand, with their mobility allowing them to be positioned where the most tests are needed.

With the leisure centre currently closed since the government lockdown, the area has been deserted for a number of weeks, so makes an obvious choice for a testing location. It is also fairly easy to access from a lot of Basingstoke.

Can I just drive up and get a test?

In short, no.

These are not drive-through facilities and not everyone can get a test as yet. You have to meet certain criteria, which has become wider in recent days. Currently, you can get a test if you have Covid-19 symptoms and fall into one of these brackets:

  • Aged 65 or over
  • Are an essential worker, including the NHS and social care
  • Are a worker who cannot work from home (ie. delivery drivers and supermarket workers)
  • Live with someone in one of the above categories

If you fall into one of these categories, you can go to the government website to book a test. There are a number of options, including a postal test or going to one of these testing centres.

Is this related to the assessment centre in Russell Howard park?

No. The assessment centre in Russell Howard Park does not offer tests for coronavirus.

That centre has been set up to provide an area for patients from across Basingstoke to be assessed should they need to be seen by a doctor, before it is decided whether they need hospital treatment. More information on that can be found here.