More than 50,000 symptom free tests have now been carried out across St Helens Borough.
The milestone was hit today, Tuesday 26 January, after three symptom free testing sites launched on December 7th. Through the testing it has helped find 956 cases in people who did not display symptoms and would otherwise have continued to remain in the public rather than isolating, helping to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
The number of tests carried out has seen almost one in five (19.2 per cent) people getting tested across the borough with more than 34,000 people taking part in the regular symptom free testing.
So far St Mary’s Market has proven the most popular testing site with 16,233 residents tested there, 10,622 people have visited Chester Lane Community Centre while 8,681 have used the test centre at Grange Valley Youth Centre.
Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said: “Thank you to those who listened to our call last month to come out and get tested regularly. These symptom free tests are a way to help us map and understand better the spread of Covid-19 in our communities.
“Cases may be coming down but they remain high with more people being admitted to hospital and sadly dying. Isolating cases is one of the ways we can continue to reduce our figures along with staying at home unless essential. When you do have to leave home you should keep on wearing a mask when in contact with others, washing hands and surfaces regularly and keeping our distance from others.”
To get a symptom free test you just have to attend one of the testing centres, there is no need to book, which are open from 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday.
If you have any of the Covid-19 symptoms – a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of sense of smell or taste please do not use the symptom free testing. Symptom testing are bookable only which can be done online at www.gov.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
To find out more about the symptom free testing visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/letsgettested
