EVERYONE across Dorset is now able to access free lateral flow tests.

Previously only certain categories of people had been eligible for asymptomatic testing - but the free tests are now accessible to everyone, regardless of age or health.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said regular testing is part of the Government's plan to reopen society and the economy, which is why everyone in England is now being encouraged to take a test twice a week.

But how can we get hold of lateral flow tests across Dorset? And what should we do if they come back positive?

Open collection sites

Beaminster

  • Flagship, in Hogshill Street

Blandford

  • Marsh and Ham Car Park
  • Boots, in Salisbury Street

Bridport

  • Bridport Leisure Centre, in Brewery Fields
  • Bridport Medical Centre, in West Allington
  • Boots, in West Street
  • Bestway Chemists, in East Street

Charmouth

  • FG Lock, in The Street

Dorchester

  • Tesco, in Weymouth Avenue
  • Dorchester Rugby Club, in Coburg Road
  • Frederick Treves House, in St John Way, Poundbury
  • Tout, in Brewery Square

Gillingham

  • Dudley Taylor Pharmacies, in Gillingham Medical Pract, at the Barn Surgery
  • High Street car park
  • Dudley Taylor Pharmacies, in Middlefield House, Marlott Road

Lyme Regis

  • Boots, in Broad Street
  • Lloyds Pharmacy, in Lyme Regis Comm Care Centre, in Uplyme Road

Portland

  • Boots, in Easton Square

Seaton

  • Tesco, Holiday Park, in Harbour Road
  • Lloyds Pharmacy, Seaton & Colyton Med Prac, in Harepath Road

Shaftesbury

  • Lloyds Pharmacy, in Abbey View Medical Centre, Hawkesdene Lane
  • Boots, High Street
  • Bell Street car park

Sherborne

  • Milbourne Port Pharmacy, in High Street
  • Boots, in Cheap Street
  • Sherborne Rugby Club, Terrace Playing Fields, in Gainsborough Park

Stalbridge

  • Medicine Clinic, in High Street

Sturminster Newton

  • Boots, in Market Place
  • Station Road Car Park
  • Rosepharm, in Church Hill, Marnhull

Swanage

  • Boots, in Station Road
  • Bestway Chemists, in Station Road

Wareham

  • Boots, in Dorchester Road, Wool
  • Swanage and Wareham Rugby Club, in Bestwall Road
  • Rexpharm Services, in St Helen's Road

Weymouth

  • Boots, in Portland Rd, Wyke Regis
  • Asda, in Newstead Road
  • Bestway Chemists, in Crescent Street
  • Morrisons, in Dorchester Road

Wimborne

  • Wellbeing, in High Street, Sturminster Marshall

Wincanton

  • Boots,Wincanton Health Centre, in Dykes Way

Booking is advised for anyone wanting to collect testing kits.

Lateral flow tests can also be ordered online through the Government's website.

What to do if you test positive

If your lateral flow test comes back positive, you should self-isolate and request a confirmatory PCR from the NHS.

The result of your lateral flow test, regardless of whether it's positive, negative or void, should be registered online or by calling 119 to help with track and trace.

Symptomatic people

Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms should go for a PCR test instead.

These can be booked over the phone by calling 119 or online at NHS Covid-19.

Guidance on how to use the tests

Wendy Lee, Professional Standards and Services Business Partner at Well Pharmacy, has shared her tips and step-by-step guide on how to take lateral flow tests.

This includes making sure you have enough tests for everyone in your household, keeping in mind basic hygiene and how to take the test in the correct way.

For more information, visit: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19

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