A new walk-through Covid test centre has been opened in south Essex. 

The facility is based at Canterbury Parade car park in South Ockendon and is only available to people with symptoms of coronavirus. 

Classic symptoms include a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Health bosses says the new site has been chosen as it is easily accessible without a car.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practicing good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

Anyone attending an appointment at the walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Testing at the new site got underway today. 

The testing centre is being operated in partnership with G4S and will offer self-administered tests.

Alex Lever, Managing Director of G4S’s Testing Site Programme, said: "The South Ockendon walk-through site will play a key role in supporting the national response to the pandemic and we are extraordinarily proud of our dedicated employees at Covid-19 testing sites across the UK.

"Their enthusiasm has been inspiring as they continue to support the Government, our health services and the public in this crisis."