The trial period is expected to last for around two weeks.
From today (Friday 6 November), a number of test centres will begin to be rolled out across the city of Liverpool and everyone who lives and works in Liverpool will be encouraged to go and get tested. This city-wide coronavirus testing in Liverpool is the first step towards the government rolling out mass testing more widely across the UK.
Six test centres will be open their doors from 12 midday today until 7pm , with more sites planned. However, these six centres should only be attended by people who are not displaying symptoms. These are:
- Liverpool FC Anfield Stadium, L4 0TH
- Merseyside Caribbean Centre, Amberley Street, Toxteth, L8 1YJ
- Lifestyles Walton, Walton Hall Park, L4 9XP
- Lifestyles Austin Rawlinson, Conleach Road, Speke, L24 0TR
- Bridge Community Centre, Daneville Road, L4 9RG
- St Stephen’s Church Hall, Belle Vale Rd, L25 2PQ
- Aintree Baptist Church, Longmoor Lane, L9 0EH
- Croxteth Sports Centre, Altcross Road, L11 0BS
- St Johns Market, Liverpool city centre
- University of Liverpool gym, Bedford Street North, L69 7ZN
- Lifestyles Alsop Fitness Centre, 1 Walton Village, L4 6RW
- Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Kings Dock, L3 4FP
- Lifestyles Ellergreen, Ellergreen Road, L11 2XY
- Lifestyles Park Road, Steble Street, L8 6QH
- Liverpool Tennis Centre, Wellington Road, L15 4LE
- Lifestyles Garston, Long Lane, L19 6PE
- IM Marsh, Barkhill Road, Aigburth, L17 6BD
Anyone displaying Covid-19 symptoms can still attend any of the existing centres or a mobile testing unit which can be booked via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. These and the other centres that are being created will be open from 7am – 7pm every day.
For the first day, all the centres will accommodate walk-ins. Testing slots can also be booked via www.gov.uk/testliverpool – or using the NHS Covid-19 App. People are advised there may be queues at these locations.
Director of Public Health, Matt Ashton, said: “The aim of this project is to quickly identify people who have the virus and reduce transmission substantially. This exciting mass testing programme simply means asking everyone to volunteer to be tested, and for those who test positive to self-isolate straight away and prevent others from getting it. This is a pilot scheme and we won’t get everything right, but it is a huge chance to drive down transmission rates and get life back to normal more quickly.”
Hundreds of thousands of tests will be made available over the trial period, which will last for approximately two weeks, which will include:
- Lateral Flow Test (LFT) – this is a simple self-swab test which will give results in under an hour.
- Existing swab tests – these mouth and nose swabs will supply results within 48 to 72 hours.
Everyone in the city is being asked to get tested, but there is specific emphasis in asking health and care workers, other emergency services and key workers, school staff and pupils, university staff and students to come forward. Testing will be carried out in new and existing test sites, using home kits, in hospitals and care home settings, and schools, universities and workplaces.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to turbo charge our efforts to reduce coronavirus in the city. We are excited to be leading on this project, supported by the Department of Health and Social Care. Let’s all get tested, for our families, our mates, our Liverpool and set an example to the country and the world.”
Liverpool City Council will be supported by the military in the planning, coordination and delivery of whole-city testing.
Here are some answers to possible questions you may have regarding the city-wide coronavirus testing in Liverpool.
What happens with my test result?
- Positive results from tests will be collected by NHS Test and Trace and published as part of the daily case numbers, including how many positive cases are detected with this new method of testing.
- Results will be received from NHS Test and Trace via text and email. Anyone coming for a test should bring a mobile phone with them.
What should I do if I test positive for coronavirus?
- Anyone who tests positive, using either testing method, must self-isolate along with their household immediately and their contacts will be traced.
- Anybody testing positive via the lateral flow testing may be asked to take a second test, a swab of both mouth and throat, to confirm.
What should I do if I test negative for coronavirus?
- Those who test negative will need to continue to follow all national guidance. You can find out more about the national lockdown rules here.
Why do I need to have a test if I don’t have symptoms?
- These more advanced tests will help identify infectious individuals who are not displaying symptoms and help far more positive cases so they can self-isolate and prevent the virus from spreading.
To read the full FAQs about the mass testing, visit here.