THE Army has opened a coronavirus testing site in a car park in a bid to get key workers back to work.

Soldiers launched the mobile testing unit in College Road, Eastbourne, yesterday.

The site will test key workers and members of their household by appointment and will be there until Thursday.

An Eastbourne Borough Council spokesman said the site was operated by specially trained military staff.

“The mobile units are being deployed across the county to help ensure essential key workers have quick and easy access to testing,” he said. “For essential key workers who are unable to travel, testing is available at home through a number of community testing vehicles.

“Essential key workers should book tests through their employer, who will have access to the Sussex Booking Hub and the widest range of test options. Tests are available for essential key workers such as NHS staff, social workers, care home and hospice staff, teachers and police and any of their household if they have symptoms. This enables those who do not have the virus to return to work.”

There are test centres at Gatwick, the Amex Stadium in Falmer, Bognor War Memorial Hospital and Wainwright Car Park in Bexhill.