AN army-run site to test more people for coronavirus will open in Bolton on Monday for three days.

It will provide testing for key workers and other individuals with symptoms of covid-19 from a temporary site.

The pop-up facility will operate from until Wednesday, strictly by appointment through the online national booking portal system.

Appointments are expected to be available later today.

Run by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), it will offer up to 300 'self-swab' tests per day from 9am to 6pm over the three-day period.

The location of the site will be provided to individuals when an appointment has been made.

Testing should take place in the first five days of the onset of coronavirus symptoms.

The following essential workers and individuals are eligible for testing at the pop-up centre:-

•An essential worker who is self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms

•Anyone with coronavirus symptoms if they live with an essential worker

•If you are aged 65 or over and have coronavirus symptoms

•Someone who cannot work from home and has coronavirus symptoms (for example, construction workers or delivery drivers)

People who meet the eligibility criteria can book a test online at https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/

Cllr Susan Baines, Executive Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: "This mobile testing facility will really help our borough, as it will help our key workers who are showing symptoms to get a test quickly.

"If you have symptoms and you meet the criteria, please book an appointment, using the national website, and get tested.

"Testing is by appointment only so please do not visit the site without an appointment.

“I would also like to thank all the key workers, those at the council, in the NHS and our partner organisations – public, private and voluntary sector – for everything you are doing during this unprecedented time.”

The tests are self-administered meaning those eligible will carry out their own test. Test results will be received within 48 hours.

The facility will accommodate people arriving by car and strict social distancing measures will be observed at all times.

As well as the MOD's three-day testing facility, Bolton Council has also opened a drive through test centre outside the University of Bolton stadium.

This centre will be prioritised for essential workers in key sectors ,by employer referral only.