Several rapid coronavirus testing centres are opening in Hertfordshire from today for people with no symptoms of the disease.

The council-run sites will offer free lateral flow tests which can detect whether someone has Covid within minutes.

According to the government, 1 in 3 people with Covid do not show any symptoms, so rapid testing is a quick way for someone to find out if they are infectious.

Anyone taking a lateral flow test should receive a test result within one hour of taking the test.

Primarily, this type of testing is aimed at key workers who are unable to work from home, but the testing is open to the community as well.

Anyone with any of the three main Covid symptoms must not use a rapid testing site - instead a test should be booked via the government website at an existing coronavirus testing site in Hertfordshire or by booking a home test.

How do I get a rapid test in Hertfordshire?

Hertfordshire County Council is launching lots of testing sites from today spread across the county, including in Watford, Bushey, Rickmansworth, and Abbots Langley.

An appointment for a rapid test must be booked online via the county council's website with a person able to choose a time slot to visit on a day the testing site is open.

The council stresses that rapid testing sites should primarily be used by people who are a key worker, as tests are limited.

Where are the nearest testing sites to Watford over the next 7 days?

The council is offering bookings at the following locations on the following days.

More sites are expected to be up and running soon, with new booking slots added on a regular basis.

However, people will only be able to book appointments up to seven days in advance, on a first come first served basis.

List of rapid testing sites this week near Watford

January 21

Watford - Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre Car Park, WD17 2JP

Rickmansworth - Three Rivers House Car Park, Northway, WD3 1RL

January 23

Bushey - Bushey Country Club, High Street, WD23 1TT

Hemel Hempstead - Hemel Leisure Centre Car Park, Park Road, HP1 1JS

January 25

Rickmansworth - Three Rivers House Car Park, Northway, WD3 1RL

St Albans - St Albans Museum and Gallery Car Park, St Peters Street, AL1 3DH

January 26

Abbots Langley - Causeway Car Park, WD5 0AN

January 27

Hemel Hempstead - Grovehill & Woodhall Farm Adventure Playground Car Park, Redbourn Road, HP2 7BA

What happens at the testing centre?

A swab will be be taken from a person's throat and nose.

At some test centres, a person will need to swab their own throat and nose with supervision from a trained professional. At other centres, a trained professional will carry out the swab.

Anyone attending must have a booking from the council's website and give booking confirmation details upon arrival.

Once the test is complete, a person must return home. They will receive an email or text confirming their test result within one hour.

Public transport should be avoided to travel to or from a rapid testing site and a face covering must be worn at the testing centre, except when taking the test.

Book a rapid coronavirus test in Hertfordshire here.