The range of locations and eligibility for coronavirus testing across Hertfordshire has been significantly expanded, following new government guidance.

The expansion comes as local arrangements across the country are now being supported by the military.

The new measures are aimed at NHS, social care staff and essential workers in the first three days of having suspected coronavirus symptoms who are going out to work, and people aged 65 and over in the first three days of having suspected symptoms.

NHS and social care staff and essential workers who are self–isolating due to a member of a household showing coronavirus symptoms will also be eligible to be tested.

Testing arrangements are as follows:

Essential workers, as defined by the government, and their household members over five can book a test at Stansted, Wembley and other locations across the country at gov.uk/coronavirus.

Local drive–through test centres include Stevenage on Caxton Way, SG1 2DF, on Mondays between 10am and 4pm. You must book your test and receive a booking code the day before at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

On Saturdays, key workers can be tested between 10am and 4pm at County Hall in Hertford, SG13 8DQ and on Sundays at Central Watford Leisure Centre, WD17 3HA. You must book your test and receive a booking code the day before at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Essential workers in the first three days of showing coronavirus symptoms but without their own transport can request mail order tests at gov.uk/coronavirus.

Anyone attending a test site expecting to be tested should bring a form of ID with them, confirming their age or key worker status.

Jim McManus, director of public health for Hertfordshire, said: “There are a number of different testing routes, depending on where you live, what your job is, how old you are, whether you have symptoms and if you have access to your own transport.

“We are very pleased to announce that drive-through testing at three Hertfordshire sites will be in operation every week for the foreseeable future.”