A FACILITIES management company is continuing its support for Britain’s fight against coronavirus by taking on the operation of 19 Mobile Testing Units across England and Wales, including in Penrith.

The MTUs are run from nine of the 12 Regional Testing Centres Mitie currently operates in the town, as well as Ashford, Bournemouth, Deeside, Ebbw Vale, Gloucester, Llandudno, Newbury and Salisbury.

Mitie will manage a range of services to support the MTUs, such as driving the units to the testing location and back to the Regional Testing Centre at the end of the day, installing the equipment – gazebos, safety signage and traffic management tools – at the designated testing location and providing cleaning and security services, including traffic management and lane support for people arriving at the MTU by car and on foot.

Mitie will have around 400 people working across the 19 Mobile Testing Units to support local communities in identifying and controlling coronavirus infections to prevent further spread.

The company now has over 1,400 employees working across the 12 Regional Testing Centres and 19 MTUs.

Mitie will take over the Mobile Testing Units at the end of July, following a one-month handover period with the British Army. Armed forces personnel will then be redeployed to other activities.

Simon Venn, chief government and strategy officer for Mitie, said: “We remain committed to supporting the UK in the fight against COVID-19. In taking on the management of these Mobile Testing Units, in addition to our existing Testing Centre Sites, we’re proud to be helping local communities identify and respond to potential coronavirus outbreaks to prevent further spread.

"These initiatives are testament to the amazing achievements that are possible thanks to effective public and private sector collaboration.”