A RAPID Covid-19 testing centre for people without symptoms of the virus has been launched in Ellesmere Port today (December 16).

Cheshire West and Chester Council has opened its first such facility at the Stanney Oaks Leisure Centre building, based at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village site.

The rapid testing pilot will start for targeted groups of residents across the borough who will be invited to come for a test, which should provide results within half an hour.

The priority group will be unpaid carers with the aim of identifying people who have Covid-19 without symptoms and stop them from spreading the disease unknowingly.

The pilot will widen to invite more groups of people in the new year.

Council leader Louise Gittins said: “Our approach is different from that which people might have seen when Liverpool piloted its mass testing programme.

“Areas with Tier 3 restrictions have also been offered more extensive mass testing, with support from the military, but as a Tier 2 area we have developed a more focused approach.

“We have a small amount of tests which we are targeting carefully to help protect people in our community who are most at risk.

“We will widen the pilot out to invite additional groups in the new year.

“This type of testing has an important part to play in the fight against COVID-19 and we are pleased to be chosen as one of 67 pilot boroughs in the country to use testing in this way.”

Any unpaid carers who would like to join the pilot but who have not been contacted directly by the council can visit Stanney Oaks for a test between 9am and 7pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

No appointment is necessary but there may be a queue.

Testing for people who have symptoms of Covid-19 remains in place for everyone across the borough.

Anyone who develops the symptoms, which include a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell, should self-isolate immediately and call 119 or visit nhs.uk/coronavirus to book a test.