A drive-through coronavirus testing centre has opened just off the A14

Around 3,000 people are now said to have been tested for coronavirus at the Copdock drive-through centre Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN Archant

A drive-through coronavirus testing centre for frontline NHS workers has opened near the Copdock interchange.

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We're opening new sites across the country to test frontline staff for #coronavirus. A negative test result means staff can get back to work quicker.



Info on how frontline staff can book a test:

➡️ https://t.co/LmhXHgi4ep



Here's a map of the new open sites pic.twitter.com/Htjtavb8Iu — Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) April 20, 2020

The centre, located in the park and ride car park, tests NHS workers and their family members who have shown symptoms of what could be coronavirus.

It is part of a network of 50 regional testing sites that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) hopes to have open by the end of the month.

MORE: Ipswich B&Q among 14 stores to re-open during lockdown

The entire process is completed without leaving the car – a testing kit is handed through the car window and the test is self-administered.

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To complete the test you must swab the back of your throat and the inside of your nose before putting the test into a biohazard bag and posting it into a bin.

Find all of our coronavirus coverage here.

The DHSC hopes to return the results within 48 hours.

One person who was tested at the centre said: “It was slightly uncomfortable. The swab made me gag a bit and it made my eyes water.”

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