Liverpool’s symptom-free COVID test sites to be targeted at frontline workers

Liverpool’s symptom-free COVID mass testing continues at test sites across the city and will now be targeted at frontline workers during the lockdown.

The sites will be available to be used by those such as NHS and care workers, school staff, supermarket employees and delivery drivers – who cannot work from home and have to have physical contact with others because of the nature of their roles. Unpaid carers are also included. 

Liverpool’s Director of Public Health, Matthew Ashton, said:

“Our lateral flow testing centres have proved hugely popular over the Christmas and New Year period, with over 31,500 tests carried out in the last week of December.

“However, in the light of the new lockdown which means most people should be working from home and strictly limiting their trips outside, we are now asking that the centres are used by people who are on the frontline in essential roles.

“This will give them some reassurance that they are clear of the virus, and an early indication if they have contracted it before they develop symptoms. Those who do test positive should have it confirmed with a follow-up PCR test.”

You can find your nearest centre, opening hours and how busy it currently on the website here.

Anyone who had coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, new continuous cough or loss of taste and smell – should not go to one of the centres but should self-isolate immediately and book a test at a PCR site by calling 119 or visiting the website here.