With Sefton’s COVID-19 testing centres closing this week, the Borough’s Director of Public Health Margaret Jones has issued a message of thanks to all those who have been staffing them.

Spread

Mrs Jones said: “COVID Test centres have played a huge role in helping prevent the spread of coronavirus infections in Sefton so I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all of those who have worked at them for all their efforts to help keep our communities safe and reassuring our communities.”

Walk-through PCR test centres for people with COVID-19 symptoms were first set up in August 2020. The first two were at Bootle and Southport Town Halls with a further two at Crosby Library and Netherton Activity Centre being added. They will close after Thursday 31^st March.

Closures

This week also sees the closure of Sefton’s rapid test sites for people without symptoms, at Sefton’s Bootle Town Hall, Bootle Strand Shopping Centre and Southport Splash World.

The Southport Dunes closed on Sunday 27th March, The Strand site closed on Monday 28th March and the Bootle Town Hall site’s final day is Thursday 31st March when it will close at 3pm.

Sefton Council has supported staff at the Council testing centres to access redeployment opportunities into other roles.

Thousands of people

Margaret Jones added: “By carrying rapid LFD tests for people without symptoms, handing out free home test kits and dispensing advice, staff at rapid test centres have helped thousands of people make sure they are not passing on the virus without knowing it because they don’t have symptoms.

“This has been invaluable in terms of protecting those people vulnerable to COVID’s potentially serious effects and reducing pressure on our health service.

“I am so grateful for all their hard work and wish them well for the future.”

Sefton Council has advised people to remain cautious and considerate to others. Advice includes continuing to wear face coverings in busy indoor areas and on public transport and maintaining distancing where necessary.