New mobile coronavirus testing centre opens in Doncaster to meet demand

The temporary mobile unit has been set up near the Linney Centre off Weston Road in Balby to boost the number of tests available in the area.

It will work alongside the existing coronavirus testing stations at Doncaster Sheffield Airport and Dearne Valley Leisure Centre.

A Doncaster Council spokesman said: “There are a few important things to know about this.

“This mobile testing facility is what we call a ‘walk-through’ unit but you MUST still book through the usual way.

"The only way to access a test is via the national portal www.nhs.uk/coronavirus and you are not always guaranteed to be given a testing slot locally. Basically you can’t just drop in for a test.”

“This isn’t anything to be too worried about - Balby has been selected as it’s central in Doncaster and easily accessible to everyone.

“However it’s as important as ever that we remain vigilant in recognising the potential symptoms of coronavirus in ourselves and our family members, and to book a test as soon as you are able to by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.”

The number of infections is rising across the borough and health chiefs have issued warnings in recent days, reminding people to stick to the rules in a bid to keep figures low.

There have been more than 250 deaths from Covid-19 in Doncaster while more than 500 people have been successfully treated in the region’s hospitals.