The testing sites at Grappenhall Cricket Club and the Halliwell Jones Stadium for people with no coronavirus symptoms will now be open from 12pm – 6pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am – 3.30pm on Saturdays.
Since the testing sites opened in January, thousands of Warrington residents who cannot work from home have got a test and have self-isolated if necessary as a result. Only one in three people who have coronavirus also have symptoms, so these testing sites help to reduce transmission in asymptomatic people in the borough.
You don’t need to book in advance to visit either asymptomatic community testing site. The testing sites use rapid Lateral Flow Tests which are rapid throat and nose swab tests which do not require laboratory processing and can show a positive or negative test result within a few hours.
If your result is positive following a Lateral Flow Test, you are now required to self-isolate by law, even if you subsequently obtain a negative confirmatory NHS coronavirus (PCR) test result. A confirmatory test is only required if you work for the NHS, in adult social care, or you are a cross-channel haulier and you have been tested as part of an asymptomatic testing workplace programme. A home testing programme will shortly be introduced for staff working within primary schools, and anybody who tests positive via this route will also be required to book a confirmatory NHS coronavirus (PCR) test.
If you develop any symptoms of coronavirus (including a high temperature, a persistent cough and a loss of smell or taste), no matter how mild, you must self-isolate immediately and book an NHS test. You can book a test at NHS test at gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 if you do not have internet access.
You must not turn up to the asymptomatic testing sites at Grappenhall Cricket Club and the Halliwell Jones Stadium, as these are for people who cannot work from home and have no COVID-19 symptoms.
Thara Raj, Warrington’s director of public health, said: “Warrington residents have been fantastic at getting regular symptom-free tests if they cannot work from home, from which we have been able to identify people who have had coronavirus and did not realise. I’d like to thank all of those who have made the effort to get a test and urge you to continue getting these tests whilst you cannot work from home or you provide care.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “It’s vital that our key workers get tested regularly, as lots of people who have COVID-19 show no symptoms. Getting a regular coronavirus test will help to identify those who have the virus and might unknowingly spread it to colleagues and loved ones.”
To find out more about coronavirus testing, visit warrington.gov.uk/testandtrace
