A COLLEGE in Hampshire is set to be made a community testing centre for coronavirus, as early as next week.

From February 22, Fareham College will be one of 11 community testing sites to open in the county.

The scheme by Hampshire County Council will test people with no coronavirus symptoms but who need to leave home for work.

Executive Leader Cllr Sean Woodward said: "The introduction of free rapid community testing is a significant step in our fight against COVID-19. I encourage anyone who is eligible for the scheme to get tested regularly to ensure that we identify positive cases more quickly. We are working closely with Hampshire County Council to plan the roll out and ensure that stringent safety measures are in place at the Fareham College site to prevent any possible spread of the virus."

Executive Member for Health and Public Protection, Cllr Trevor Cartwright said: “The introduction of free rapid community testing is a significant step in our fight against coronavirus. I encourage anyone who is eligible for the scheme to get tested regularly to ensure that we identify positive cases more quickly. We are working closely with Hampshire County Council to plan the roll out and ensure that stringent safety measures are in place at the Fareham College site to prevent any possible spread of the virus.”

The proposed testing sites are yet to be confirmed.