Bath & North East Somerset Council's public health team has secured the use of a temporary COVID-19 mobile testing unit which will be based at Odd Down Park & Ride in Bath from next Monday (June 22).

The mobile testing unit (MTU) will be operating within a secure section of the site for five days and will mean many residents will not have to travel to Bristol Airport to get a test.

Only residents who are experiencing symptoms of the virus are urged to book themselves in for a coronavirus test at the unit.

The MTU is part of the COVID-19 National Testing Programme and will be available from Monday June 22 until Friday June 26, carrying out 400 tests per day. It will be operated by military personnel and is available for pre-booked coronavirus tests only.

Appointments can be made here: the government's testing site or people without internet access can dial 119.

Council staff will be on site to direct those visiting the MTU to ensure the safety of all users of the site.

You can ask for a test:

- for yourself, if you have coronavirus symptoms now (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)

- You can ask for a test for a child who lives with you if they have coronavirus symptoms, whatever their age.

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, Safeguarding and Public Health, said "If anyone is concerned that they have any of the symptoms of coronavirus I would urge them to book themselves in for a test. It's simple to book and having the testing centre based in Bath will save people a journey to Bristol airport.

"Anyone who is experiencing symptoms is eligible for the test. It involves taking a swab of the inside of the nose and the back of the throat, using a long cotton bud."

The postcode for Odd Down Park & Ride is BA2 8PD.

People with symptoms are also advised to self-isolate at home. No one in the household should leave home if any one person has symptoms. There is more guidance on what this involves on the government's website at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

Tests at the mobile testing unit are subject to availability and if all appointments in Bath are booked, the alternative testing site at Bristol Airport will be offered.

For tests to be effective you must be symptomatic. Symptoms of the virus are a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell. More information can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/