A NEW Covid-19 testing centre has opened in Southend.

The site, at the former Nazareth House care home, in London Road, allows patients to be tested before they come into hospital to have their planned procedures, keeping them self-isolated and minimising their risk of contracting Covid-19.

More than 200 people are being tested at the centre each day. The new centre has three covered drive-through lanes and parking spaces that can be used for self-swabbing.

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, who visited the cenre, said: “Nazareth House will always be dear to my heart, and following its closure earlier this year I am so glad that its caring ethos has been maintained through this Covid testing centre to fight the pandemic.”

He also thanked staff.