Gatwick Airport is supporting the UK’s coronavirus response by providing use of its long-stay car park as a drive-through testing center.
Initially for use by NHS staff and invited key workers, the site was opened on Wednesday, April 8 and be available between 9am and 5pm daily, on an appointment-only basis.
Stewart Wingate, chief executive, Gatwick Airport, says, “We have the space available at Gatwick to be able to host such a large-scale operation. Alongside keeping the airport open to support repatriation flights, amongst others, we are happy to be able to support the NHS, Government and the country in whatever way we can.”
Health Minister Lord Bethell added, “The Government is rapidly scaling up the national effort to boost testing capacity for coronavirus to protect the vulnerable, support our NHS, and ultimately save lives.
“This new service will help end the uncertainty of whether NHS and social care staff need to stay at home meaning those who test negative will be able to return to work.”