Entrance to Cambridge Arcade covid test centre changed after campaign

Potential Coronavirus carriers won’t come close to businesses in a cramped Southport Arcade thanks to an appeal by OTS News.

Last week OTS revealed how businesses in Cambridge Arcade were left furious and worried after discovering a walk-in COVID test centre would open on their doorstep.

Now following a public appeal on OTS News, Sefton Council say they have done all they can to make sure this won’t happen.

The One Stop Shop has been picked by the Department for Health as a walk-in test centre but their decision was slammed by angry shop owners who feared they and their customers could come into contact with the deadly virus.

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “Some neighbouring businesses had expressed concern about the location of the test centre and in particular the exit and entrance to the Test Centre being within the One Stop Shop via Cambridge Arcade.

Sefton Council have negotiated with the private sector providers working on behalf of the DHSC, and they have agreed to make some changes to the layout of the test centre, including how people enter and exit the building, which should address the concerns of local traders. Access to the Test Centre will be via Corporation Street.

The availability of a semi-permanent test facility within walking distance of a large proportion of residents is vital to the country’s recovery from Covid-19.

It’s important that anyone who has the coronavirus symptoms of a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in their normal sense of taste or smell visits www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 to book a test.”