With the number of coronavirus cases in the county increasing, testing centres will remain open across Dorset over Christmas and New Year, including the site at the Norden car park, now called Purbeck Park.
There will be a site operating everyday including Christmas day and New Year’s day so that anyone who develops Covid symptoms can get a test. The mobile testing unit at Purbeck Park is open every Thursday, so tests will be available there on Christmas eve and New Year’s eve.
The Covid-19 testing site at Purbeck Park in Norden
Further restrictions are likely to be needed in more areas of England
This comes as the UK’s chief scientific adviser said that further restrictions are likely to be needed in more areas of England to control the new variant of Covid-19. Sir Patrick Vallance said that measures “need to be increased in some places in due course, not reduced”.
Speaking at the Downing Street news conference on Monday 21st December 2020, he predicted there would be a spike in cases after an “inevitable period of mixing” over Christmas.
Public Health Dorset reminded residents that if they develop Covid-19 symptoms, which are a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change of taste or smell they must book a test by visiting the government website or calling 119.
The following sites will remain operational throughout the festive period
- Bridport
- Dorchester
- Swannery Car Park, Weymouth
- Purbeck Park, Norden
- Hawkwood Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth
- Wallisdown, Bournemouth
- Lansdowne, Bournemouth
- Creekmoor, Poole
- Dolphin Swimming Pool Car Park, Poole
- Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Christchurch
The Wallisdown testing site will be out of use during January to help students return back to Bournemouth University safely.
“Everyone needs to do their bit to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Dorset”
Assistant director of Public Health Dorset, Rachel Partridge said:
“Even though it is Christmas time and we all want to relax and enjoy, unfortunately we do still need to remain alert to the threat of Covid-19 and be vigilant to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
“For example, if you do develop Covid-19 symptoms, you must book a test and self-isolate with anyone in your household or support bubble whilst waiting for the result. Our testing sites will be working and available over the festive season.
“Obviously this would not be great timing and may interrupt your Christmas plans which is upsetting, but everyone needs to do their bit to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Dorset.”
“No one wants to fall ill over Christmas”
Councillor Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for adult social care and health added:
“No one wants to fall ill over Christmas, especially with Covid-19 but we are still living with this virus. It is great news that all sites remain open over the Christmas and New Year period so everyone has access to testing.”
