Axminster has been earmarked for a new community testing site to identify asymptomatic carriers of the coronavirus.

Axminster has been listed as one of 20 locations for new testing sites across Devon, with others including Seaton, Honiton, Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary.

The new community testing programme to identify those with COVID-19 who are not showing symptoms recently launched at County Hall in Exeter.

About one in three people who have coronavirus do not show symptoms, so these tests are to identify non-symptomatic carriers of the virus, who are then required to self-isolate immediately to prevent them from transmitting it to others.

The tests are specifically for critical workers and those in high-risk occupations who still have to go to work, such as taxi and bus drivers or essential retail workers.

They are also for people who are in contact with others who are vulnerable, such as carers, who are not displaying symptoms.

The rapid lateral flow tests give results in about 30 minutes. The first site has opened at County Hall in Exeter with a capacity to process up to 300 tests per day, and potential to scale up to twice that number of tests each day if required.

There are now plans to open more community testing sites planned across Devon this month and next, with Axminster earmarked as one of the locations.

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said: "Community testing is a quick way of identifying people who are likely to have the virus in order to prevent them from transmitting it to others.

"We've initially piloted the County Hall site in order to make sure staff are fully trained and that the testing process itself works smoothly.

"Individuals can choose to walk-through, or drive-through, two testing areas and the tests are being turned around quickly, with results back to the individual within the hour, via text and email.

"We're now calling on people to take the test to help protect others and to stop the spread of coronavirus.

"We have opened up our booking system to larger numbers and are inviting critical workers whose jobs require them to work face to face with others, and people who care for others who are vulnerable.

"A negative test result will mean they're able to carry on their essential business or caring role, however a positive test result in around half an hour will require them to self-isolate at home.

"It is important to stress that taking the test, even if the result is negative, does not discount the need to continue following national guidance around social distancing, wearing a face covering, and washing your hands properly and regularly. These simple steps are still vital in preventing the transmission of the virus.

"The national advice is front line workers and people who have regular contact with the public during their working week, to be tested twice weekly. If you visit or see the public less frequently, you may wish to test on the day of the visit or the day before."

Commenting on the new testing sites to be set up over the coming weeks, he added: "Most of those will be fixed facilities, while some will be mobile units in order that we can reach rural communities and businesses. Some will be by appointment only, and we will be inviting people to book appointments at their closest venue."

The exact locations for the sites are yet to be announced, however they will be in the following areas: Barnstaple, Honiton, Newton Abbot, Tiverton, Exmouth, Tavistock, Sidmouth, Seaton, Axminster, Ottery St Mary, Okehampton, Ivybridge, Bideford, Cullompton, Kingsbridge, Exeter (x2), Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Lynmouth.

Nick Child, operations manager for the COVID testing sites, said: "It is really easy to book. Visit the Devon County Council website and you enter your details and you can book a 15 minute slot, either a drive through or a walk in. You then get a confirmatory email with the dates and times you have booked.

"When you arrive someone will greet you. You scan a barcode which will take you to the NHS website, and you enter your details and scan a barcode to identify the case you will take. You walk through, will be greeted at a booth, and someone will walk you through the testing process which is really simple.

"You put a swab on each of your tonsils and then up one of your nostrils. The operative will then process that and while it is being processed, you can leave the premises.

"The result is within the hour. When you register, you enter your email address and your phone number and within the hour you get a text and an email from NHS confirming the result."

People with symptoms of coronavirus – high temperature; new and continuous cough; change in their usual sense of taste or smell – should self-isolate and arrange a test via the national NHS testing programme, using the GOV.UK website or by calling 119.