A CORONAVIRUS testing facility has been set up in a Barnsley town centre car park.
Essential workers who have been registered online are now being tested for the virus, with police and armed forces directing them into the drive-through site in Churchfields car park.
Test results are returned by text within 48 hours.
Testing has been made available to all essential workers - either through self-referral or through employers - who show symptoms of Covid-19, and people they live with.
The government has ‘significantly increased’ the UK’s testing capability, and hopes it will soon be able to provide 100,000 tests a day.
Secretary of state for health and social care Matt Hancock said: “We have already prioritised testing for patients and health and social care workers and other key workers today I can go further.
“We are making it easier, faster and simpler for any essential worker in England who needs a test to get a test.
“From today, employers of essential workers will be able to go on GOV.UK to get a test for any of their staff who need a test.
“It’s all part of getting Britain back on her feet.”
There have been 569 confirmed cases so far in Barnsley and more than 150,000 nationally.
Essential workers can apply for a coronavirus test here.
