Twickenham Stadium has been deployed as a drive-through COVID-19 testing centre for NHS staff and key workers.

A network of bright orange barriers, designated lanes, numbered bay areas and several tented testing spots could be seen at the world-famous RFU headquarters earlier today (Sunday)

Other similar drive-through sites have already been established at IKEA in Wembley, The 02, Gatwick Airport and Chessington World of Adventures and daily testing figures have dramatically increased from 5000 a day to over 20.000 a day. Health Secretary Matt Hancock is aiming for 100.000 by the end of the month.

Those NHS staff working on the frontline and key workers will be able to make appointments to be tested following a trial period of operation at Twickenham before a full service is offered.

In other areas members of the military have been drafted in to help man these types of vital centres.

All major sport has been halted as part of the nationwide lockdown, allowing iconic sports venues like Twickenham to be converted for other uses.

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: "The RFU is pleased to be able to support the COVID-19 drive-through testing programme at Twickenham Stadium for NHS and other key workers.

"We receive tremendous support from frontline services during match days at Twickenham and we are grateful for the opportunity to be able to support key workers during this severe national crisis with the use of our site and staff to support operationally."

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: "Ensuring that NHS workers and other frontline care staff are able to access testing quickly is a crucial element in fighting Coronavirus and the council fully supports the opening of this new facility.

"Every day hundreds of council staff, in addition to thousands of NHS staff, put their lives on the line to support some of this borough's most vulnerable residents.

"I am pleased, therefore, that the council has moved quickly to ensure this new drive through facility has been given the green light to open without any delay."