A NEW walk-through coronavirus testing facility has today opened in Southampton city centre.

Located at the O2 Guildhall, the temporary site can only be used by those with symptoms who have booked a visit.

The Government said it chose the music venue as it is situated in a location "easily accessible without a car".

It adds that those with either a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

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

Health Minister Lord Bethell said:"We continue to expand testing to make sure that everyone with symptoms can get a test, with our new walk-in sites making it even easier no matter where you live.

"This new site forms part of our national testing network, which has the capacity to test more than a million people a week and is growing all the time.

"If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others around you and stop the spread of the virus."

The testing centre is being operated by Mitie and will offer self-administered tests.

As reported, anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.