A rapid Covid testing centre is to be set up in Sidmouth to identify carriers of the virus who don't have any symptoms.

It's part of the community testing programme which has started with the opening of a centre at County Hall in Exeter.

Around one in three people who have coronavirus do not show symptoms, and the tests are targeting key workers and those in high-risk occupations who still have to attend work, such as taxi and bus drivers or retail workers.

They are also for people who are in contact with others who are vulnerable, such as carers.

The testing centre at County Hall has the capacity to process up to 300 tests per day, but with the potential to double that number if necessary.

The rapid lateral flow tests give results in around 30 minutes.

The Sidmouth community testing site will be among 13 being set up around the Devon County Council administrative area during February and March; the Plymouth and Torbay authorities will be making their own arrangements.

There are no details yet on specific locations; some testing centres will be mobile units that can travel to rural areas, and others will be set up in buildings.

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."

Where will the other community testing sites be?

The other community sites will be in Barnstaple,Honiton, Newton Abbot, Tiverton, Exmouth, Tavistock, Seaton, Axminster, Ottery St Mary, Okehampton, Ivybridge, Bideford, Cullompton, Kingsbridge, Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Lynmouth and a further two in Exeter.

Nick Child, operations manager for the Covid testing sites, said: "It is really easy to book. Visit the DCC website at http://devon.cc/testing and you enter your details and you can book a 15 minutes 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."

The community testing sites are not for people who do develop Covid symptoms – high temperature; new and continuous cough; change in their usual sense of taste or smell. They should self-isolate and arrange a test via the national NHS testing programme, using the GOV.UK website or by calling 119.