THREE new Covid-19 testing sites are opening in Teesside.

One new site in Hartlepool opened today while two other sites will open in Guisborough and Eston in the coming weeks.

The Hartlepool site is in Middlegate Car Park and is a walk-through facility for people with booked appointments who have been showing symptoms of Covid-19.

Testing there started today and appointments are available every day. 

Testing is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

Redcar and Cleveland Council has confirmed two sites will be opening in the car park at Belmont House, Rectory Lane in Guisborough and in the car park at the Inspire to Learn building, off Normanby Road, Eston.

The new testing sites are expected to open within the next few weeks and offer testing seven days a week.

The existing mobile testing site at Kirkleatham Walled Garden, near Redcar, will continue to operate.

The decision to increase testing has been made following an increase in the number of positive Covid-19 cases in the borough and wider Tees Valley.

Both testing operations will be run by a private company on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care. Members of the public are advised to book a test online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

Councillor Steve Kay, cabinet member for health, housing and welfare, said: “Testing is vital to stop the spread of the virus and this is an important move to get the information needed to help keep everyone safe.

“There will be robust operating procedures in place to ensure the correct health and safety is followed at all times.”