Symptom-free testing will re-open in Birkenhead Market on Tuesday 5 January. The site which closed earlier than scheduled for the festive period due to extremely high demand, will temporarily re-open until a new, longer-term venue can be found in Birkenhead town centre.
Councillor Yvonne Nolan, Chair of the Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee for Wirral Council, said, “I’m pleased we are once again able to offer symptom-free testing in Birkenhead. Unfortunately, Covid-19 infection rates locally have increased following the Christmas holiday.
“We are seeing hundreds of people test positive every day and it is important we do all we can to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and protect our most vulnerable and the NHS. As we move into the New Year, I would urge the population in Wirral to continue using the testing sites available, both symptom-free and for those experiencing symptoms, so that we can quickly identify those with the virus and enable them to self-isolate.”
“Evidence has shown that around 1 in 3 people do not have symptoms but can still pass the virus on. By having symptom-free testing sites available with no booking required at locations throughout Wirral we can help reduce community transmission and protect the lives and the livelihoods of the people of Wirral.”
Symptom-free testing is an additional risk reduction measure and should be used alongside other COVID-19 prevention measures such as wearing a face covering, regularly washing hands and keeping a safe distance from others.
Symptom-free testing will again be available at four testing centres across the Borough:
- Birkenhead Market Re-open Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 January 9am to 4:15pm (Closed Sunday)
- The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton open 7 days a week 10:30am to 6:30pm
- Greasby Library open 7 days a week 10:30am to 6:30pm
- Eastham Library open 7 days a week 10:30am to 6:30pm
No booking is required but you will need a mobile number or email address to register when you arrive. If you do not have a mobile number or email address you will be asked to call 119 to get your results.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you MUST self-isolate and get a test. More information is available via www.wirral.gov.uk/test.
If you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive you must self-isolate. Please do not attend a symptom free test site. You only need to be tested if you develop symptoms.
If you visit a symptom-free testing centre and test positive you must self-isolate. Guidance and support to do so is available here: www.wirral.gov.uk/covidpayment
Main image credit: www.birkenhead2020.com