A mobile coronavirus testing centre has been opened up in Falmouth.

Testing began at the Falmouth Rugby Club home ground in Tregenver Road on Thursday and will continue until further notice.

It is available from 10.30am until 4pm and the Local Resilience Forum said it was open to anyone who has coronavirus-like symptoms to test if they currently have the virus.

Everyone over the age of five with symptoms may apply at www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test or anyone without access to the internet can ring 119.

The mobile testing units are set up by the Department of Health and Social Care but the sites are managed by members of the Armed Forces, meaning people will see military personnel in attendance.

How it works

The centres can only cater for people arriving in their vehicles.

Once you have your booking confirmed make your way to the testing station at your allotted time.

The test will be conducted while you remain in your vehicle.

On arrival you will be given instructions on what to do by the testing site personnel. Follow all instructions and keep your vehicle windows closed until you are instructed to open them.

You will conduct the test without leaving your own vehicle. The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat, which can be done by the person themselves or helped by someone else.

The tests are always carried out observing social distancing. You will be guided what to do by mobile phone.

On arrival you will be shown a number to ring where you will speak to the person standing outside your vehicle.

Take your own hand sanitiser or antibacterial hand wipes so that your hands are clean when doing the test. Also take tissues so that you can cough into them and blow your nose before swabbing.

You will be informed of your test result within three days, usually via a text message.

The NHS is providing additional testing sites for health and care workers as part of the local hospital laboratory service. These are at Threemilestone, Truro and Menheniot, Liskeard. Access to these services is through employers.

Further sites in Devon and Cornwall are being provided for people without symptoms who are awaiting admission to hospital for treatment.

At this stage, sites are open at the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge, Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust Mobility Centre, Truro and the Cornish Pirates home ground in Penzance.