Aerials of test drive-thru in UK airport car park

A drive-through testing centre for coronavirus opened on Wednesday at a long-stay car park at Gatwick Airport, outside London.

The medical facility will operate daily from 9am (0800GMT) to 5pm (1600GMT) on an appointment-only basis, airport officials said.

Initially, the drive-through testing centre will be for NHS (National Health Service) staff and invited key workers.

A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport said that they will do whatever they can to support the NHS, the government and the country as the airport has enough space available to host a large-scale operation.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.