A new Covid-19 testing facility has opened near Portsmouth International Port.

The centre, operated by NPH Group, will provide rapid lateral flow antigen tests. Portsmouth is expected to welcome up to 12,000 passengers throughout this month (August), as guests embark on Virgin Voyages’ domestic cruises on Scarlet Lady.

The facility is located under two fully equipped marquees which are accessed via a Covid-secure shuttle bus from the port car park.

On arrival, travellers will go through a check-in process and then show their vaccine status using the NHS app or vaccination card, as well as going into a testing booth.

Passengers will get their results via email 20 minutes later, at the same time as a result notification being displayed in NPH Group’s test manager application.

Portsmouth International Port passenger operations manager Andrew Williamson said: “The safety of passengers and staff remains our priority, and we want journeys through our port to be as comfortable and easy as possible.

“Portsmouth was the first port in the UK to be independently verified by independent assessors DNV, who graded the new Covid-19 protocols against hospital grade standards.

“We’re delighted to be working with NPH Group and Virgin Voyages on this dedicated testing facility which will ensure a smooth start for sailors boarding Scarlet Lady on the forthcoming summer soiree series of cruises from Portsmouth.”

NPH Group CEO Mark Philpott added: “We are extremely proud to be working with Virgin Voyages to make quality, efficient Covid-19 testing convenient and reliable for travellers.

“This not only helps people to cruise in British waters again, it also helps to support the cruise industry and open up more possibilities of international cruising, which was hit hard by the pandemic, and it will provide added revenues to one of our English ports.

“Our system ensures that travellers have a quick and smooth experience when going through the testing process near the port. There is only 20 minutes to wait for lateral flow antigen test results through our technology, so there is no unnecessary waiting around. A number of ‘Virgin Angels’ also help support passengers every step of the way through the arrivals and embarkation process.

“It’s great to be able to provide this service to Virgin Voyages and help support them in getting people back out to sea safely again.”