Liverpool’s coronavirus mass testing programme is now available to children of any age, as well as adults.
Initially the scheme was limited to over 11s only, but from now on parents and carers can book the whole family for a test – regardless of their child’s age. Under 18’s need parental consent.
They can book an appointment at www.gov.uk/testliverpool, via the NHS Covid-19 app or by calling 119. Participants are strongly advised to book a test and not just walk up. You also need a mobile phone number available to you on request, for registration.
People with symptoms should not attend one of the 15 mass testing centres – they should book a test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 and arrange a test at one of the mobile testing units in the city.
People without symptoms will also be offered drive-through appointments at other mobile testing units in the city, to maximise capacity. As everyone is in a car they are protected from each other.
Hundreds of thousands of tests are being made available over the trial period 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.
To read the FAQs about mass testing, click here.
