List of people who can be tested for Covid-19 at Portsmouth testing centre expanded

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms who either has to leave home to go to work or is aged 65 and over, along with symptomatic members of their household, will now be able to get tested, the government has announced.

Testing of all asymptomatic NHS and social care staff and care home residents is also being rolled out.

It comes as the government aims to expand its testing capacity to 100,000 tests per day by the end of April.

Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt tweeted: ‘Nearest test centre to Portsmouth is at Tipner, which has capacity to do more. If you meet these expanded criteria you can now book a test.’

The test centre is at Tipner West, which was was initially set up in the event of a no-deal Brexit to hold lorries. It is now open.

However some people have been getting lost after incorrect directions caused them to park up in Tipner Lane.

The facility is being run by Sodexo under a government contract.

Testing for coronavirus helps the government and scientists understand its current spread and plan how to manage the pandemic.

As capacity has increased, testing has been offered to different groups in a phased approach, prioritising NHS workers. However, the ultimate aim is that anyone who needs a test will be able to have one.

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: ‘Expansion of our testing programme protects our most vulnerable and keeps people safe.

‘Testing is now available to all over 65s and members of their households, if they have symptoms.

‘Any worker who needs to leave their home in order to go to work, and their households, if any of them have symptoms can also get a test. This means construction workers to emergency plumbers, research scientists to those in manufacturing - can now be tested.

‘All they need to do is go on the internet and apply for a test.’

Anyone eligible can book a test using the online portal here.

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