Coronavirus testing facilities supports Southport key workers to return to work

Over the next two days, key workers who are self-isolating (either because they themselves or the people they live with are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms) can be tested, enabling people in vital roles to return to work sooner if they test negative.

Employees who are eligible for testing will be contacted by their employer or can contact their employers to request a test, either on behalf of themselves or a family member / someone who lives in their household.

Eligible candidates are people aged over 18 who are symptomatic but not so ill that they can’t work, or family members causing a key worker to need to self-isolate until Covid-19 can be ruled out. Anyone who is too ill to work will not be tested.

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “I’m proud that the very first pilot testing facility in Cheshire and Merseyside is taking place in Southport.

“Sefton Council, working closely with our partners across the borough, have been identifying those key workers who meet the strict criteria for testing, so that they can be tested for Covid19 in a safe and accessible way.

“Our dedicated workforces want to be at work, supporting our local communities, and those who test negative will be able to return to the vital roles they play in the fight against Coronavirus.”