Whatever the future holds in a post lockdown world, it is clear we will all need to get used to being tested for coronavirus.

A new scheme which will see twice weekly Covid test offered to all households in England for free will launch on Friday, regardless of whether you are showing symptoms of the virus. 

The controversial idea of Covid certification is also likely to play a role later this year, and could largely centre on whether you can provide a negative test result before entering a crowded venue or stadium. 

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Experts are also urging people to make the most of the now enhanced testing capacity in the UK, particularly those who have returned to the work place in recent weeks. 

So here is a list of all the Covid testing sites in south Essex currently listed on the NHS website and what each one offers:

  • Shoebury Youth Centre, in Delaware Road - for people with no symptoms of coronavirus and tests must be booked in advance. 

Usual opening hours are 8am - 6.30pm

  • Southend Airport car park - for people with symptoms of coronavirus and tests must be booked in advance.

Usual opening hours are 9am - 3pm

  • Short Street, Southend - for people with symptoms of coronavirus and tests must be booked in advance.

Usual opening hours are 8am - 8pm

  • University Square, Queens Street, Southend - for people with symptoms of coronavirus and tests must be booked in advance.

Usual opening hours are 7am - 2.30pm

  • Hamlet Court Road car park, Southend - for people with symptoms of coronavirus and tests must be booked in advance.

Usual opening hours are 9am - 3pm

  • Twenty One, Pier Approach, Southend - for people with no symptoms of coronavirus and no booking is required.

Usual opening hours are 9am - 4pm

  • A and H Pharmacies, Eastwood Road, Leigh - pick up site for home testing kits.

Usual opening hours are 9am - 6.30pm 

  • St Aidan's Church, The Fairway, Leigh - for people with no symptoms of coronavirus and tests must be booked in advance.

Usual opening times are 7am - 5.30pm

  • Canvey Island Library, High Street - pick up site for home testing kits.

Usual opening hours are 9am - 5pm

  • Vanas Limited, Rectory Road, Basildon - pick up site for home testing kits.

Usual opening hours are 9am - 6.30pm

  • Basildon Library, St Martins Square - pick up site for home testing kits. 

Usual opening hours are 9am - 5pm

  • Great Berry Pharmacy, Nightingales, Langdon Hills - pick up site for home testing kits. 

Usual opening hours are 9am - 6pm

  • Wickford Library, Market Road - pick up site for home testing kits.

Usual opening hours are 9am - 5pm

  • Billericay Library, High Street - pick up site for home testing kits. 

Usual opening hours are 9am - 5.30pm

  • Shadforth Pharamcy, Stock Road, Billericay - pick up site for home testing kits. 

Usual opening hours are 9am - 6.30pm

  • E-Nova Healthcare, 22 River View, Chadwell St Mary - pick up site for home testing kits. 

Usual opening hours are 9am - 6pm

  • E-Nova Healthcare, 12 Defoe Parade, Chadwell St Mary - pick up site for home testing kits. 

Usual opening hours are 9am - 6pm

  • Pharmazone Ltd, 11 Crammavill Street, Stifford Clays - pick up site for home testing kits. 

Usual opening hours are 7am - 10pm

  • Dudley Taylor Pharmacies, Drake Road, Chafford Hundred - pick up site for home testing kits. 

Usual opening hours are 9am - 6pm