A NEW purpose built Covid-19 testing site will open in the Belmont House car park, Guisborough, on Monday.

It will be open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week and will add even more testing capability in Redcar and Cleveland following the opening of the new facility at the Inspire 2 Learn car park, South Bank on November 23. There will be 24-hour security on site at Belmont House.

The Guisborough testing site will be a walk-in test site only and no vehicles will be allowed access. It will be available for people who have coronavirus symptoms and have booked in advance. There will be one way in and one way out for pedestrians, and there will be signs to show the entry, route around the site and exit. Residents who believe they may have symptoms, are asked to book a test first online or call the 119 number.

The existing mobile testing centre at Kirkleatham, near Redcar, will continue to operate several days a week and is available as a "drive-through" test centre, again for people who have symptoms and have booked.

Redcar and Cleveland Councillor Steve Kay, cabinet member for Health, Housing and Welfare, said: “If you have symptoms of Covid-19, we strongly urge you to book a test on line or ring the 119 number to get tested. Having the test will help to protect you and your loved ones, as well as playing a part in stemming the spread of the virus through our communities. Covid-19 is a killer. We all need to follow the simple advice of 'hands, space, face,' which means hand washing, social distancing and wearing a face mask. Do your bit. Let's get this deadly virus under control."

The Guisborough site will be operated by Government contractors. Redcar and Cleveland Council is not involved in its operation, except for permitting the use of the car park. The council offices in Belmont House are closed, as all services are delivered now at the library so there will be no access.