Coronavirus testing underway at Hartlepool's National Museum of the Royal Navy as two-day operation begins

Covid-19 testing will take place at the town’s National Museum of the Royal Navy throughout Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14.

Hartlepool Borough Council confirmed in a statement that this will be a drive-through testing site for pre-booked appointments only.

Those without an appointment will be unable to access the wider testing site, and will not be tested if they show up.

A Hartlepool Borough Council spokesperson added: “Although coronavirus testing is coordinated by the Government’s Department of Health and Social Care, we wanted to advise residents and businesses across Hartlepool that this site will be operational.

“We also want to encourage people not to turn up without an appointment as this will lead to disappointment.

“The easiest way to apply for a test is to enter your details on the www.gov.uk/coronavirus website.”

Queues of cars were spotted at the museum site on Wednesday – the first day of testing – with staff working onsite wearing gloves and masks as they tended to those with appointments.

The museum closed its doors to the public around eight weeks ago in March; just days before Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed lockdown restrictions on the UK following a televised address to the nation.

A statement on its website said: “Thank you for your ongoing support, patience and understanding at this challenging time. We look forward to welcoming you back in due course.”

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