The Suffolk Resilience Forum is reminding Shotley peninsula residents that 'pop-up' style mobile testing units are regularly in operation around the county, in addition to the nearest centre which is based at the A12.A14 junction at Copdock.

The government announced on Monday that people can request a test for anyone more than five years of age, who is showing coronavirus symptoms. This includes requesting a test for someone you live with, if they have coronavirus symptoms.

However, visits to the units are for those currently showing symptoms of coronavirus and must be booked in advance.

Coronavirus symptoms are:

a high temperature, or

a new, continuous cough, or

a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

You can be tested in one of the following ways, if you are showing coronavirus symptoms:

Book online, or call 119, and visit a regional test centre (in Suffolk this is located at the London Road Park and Ride site at Copdock, Ipswich)

Book online, or call 119, and visit a mobile testing unit (latest Suffolk locations can be found at www.suffolk.gov.uk/testing)

Book online, or call 119, and request a home testing kit

If you are an essential worker, you can apply for priority testing:

Book a test through the employer referral route (contact your employer)

Book a test through the self-referral route (visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers)

Mobile testing units have been operational in Suffolk since April and are mobilised by the Ministry of Defence.

Units regularly move around the county at multiple sites and have so far been planned for Bury St Edmunds, Eye, Haverhill, Leiston, Lowestoft and Newmarket.