A NEW Covid-19 testing site is set to open.

The test site will open in Wentworth Street Car Park in Malton as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to increase testing.

The Department of Health and Social Care will open the site this Friday, 2 April, to increase testing capacity for people experiencing symptoms and to act as a collection point for lateral flow tests for those who qualify for them.

North Yorkshire’s Director of Public Health, Louise Wallace, said: “We have worked hard throughout the pandemic to increase the level of testing across the county. We are pleased that this new site will increase the capacity and the convenience for residents and will help the county to drive down the infection rate further.”

Stacey Burlet, Chief Executive of Ryedale District Council, said: “Testing is a key part of the strategy to control Covid-19 and help us return to normal life, so we believe this facility is positive news for Ryedale. Supporting lives and livelihoods has been our priority throughout this pandemic and having a long-term testing site in Malton is an important thing to do for people in Ryedale. We’re proud to support this key step towards dealing with the pandemic that’s had such an impact across the district.”

The site will be open between 8am and 8pm seven days a week. Initially, it will be for symptomatic testing only. Later, it may act as a collection point for lateral flow testing kits for those people eligible for them. In that case, it would operate as a testing site from 8am to 1.30pm and as a collection point from 2.30pm to 8pm.

Only people experiencing Covid-19 symptoms – a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – should book a test. Tests must be booked in advance. Visit nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119. Health and safety will be at the forefront of the operation and support will be available at the site for those who need it.

The site in Malton is being built by the DHSC today (March 30). This will be followed by pilot testing before the official start date of April 2. The site will consist of units to house the testing facilities along with storage and facilities for staff.

To facilitate safe pedestrian access, the car park entrance/exit next to Princess Road Flats will be closed. Access to the car park to the rear of Wentworth Mews will be maintained.

The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history, including drive-through sites, walk-through sites, mobile units, home testing and satellite kits and five mega laboratories.

Mobile testing units will continue to operate at locations around the county.