IKEA has set up a drive-through Coronavirus testing centre for frontline NHS staff in the car park of its Wembley store and has committed to opening similar sites around the country.

A spokesperson for the flatpack furniture retailer said: “Today, a drive-through NHS Covid-19 test centre has opened in the car park of our Wembley store.

“We have also responded to requests from intensive care units and doctors across the country by delivering tens of thousands of our disposable paper tape measures, to help them continue their amazing care for their patients," the statement continued, adding: “We have also donated food to local hospitals, food banks, and shelters to help provide some immediate relief in the short term.”

The company said it was also looking at short and long-term plans to help communities, including partnerships with Barnardo’s and refugee charity Breaking Barriers.

Meanwhile, Boots also launched free drive-through centres at its headquarters in Nottingham and at Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey. The sites will initially be for NHS staff by invitation only.

The health and beauty retailer said that locations for more test centres are being looked at around the country, but they will not be in its stores.

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