New drive-through Covid-19 testing site opened at Gatwick Airport

The newly opened facility, located in Car Park X, Perimeter Road, is available to those with symptoms of coronavirus.

The site is part of the government’s drive to improve accessibility to testing sites.

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UK Health Security Agency South East regional lead Trish Mannes said: “This new drive-through site is part of our ongoing work to make it even easier for people who need a PCR test to get one.

“If you have developed a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste, or you are asked or advised to get a test, please book one and follow any advice you’re given. 

“As we return to a more familiar way of life, testing, and isolating when necessary, remain a vital way of controlling the spread of the virus and protecting one another.”

Appointments are available now.

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.

Testing is also available for those asked to get a test, which could be by NHS Test and Trace if they’re a close contact of a positive case, by a clinician or their local authority, by a testing pilot or via their work.

Instead of self-isolating, those who are fully vaccinated and under 18 identified as close contacts of positive Covid-19 cases are advised to get a free PCR test as soon as possible.

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 10 days if they are not fully vaccinated to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. 

Free, rapid lateral flow testing is also available to everyone in England for people without symptoms.