Halliwell Jones Stadium becomes Covid-19 testing centre

But now, the East Stand and South Stand are home to a steady stream of residents being tested for the coronavirus.

On Monday afternoon, a new Covid-19 testing centre opened up at the HJ for those who are not showing symptoms.

The Wolves’ den has already tested hundreds of people for the virus, and Warrington Guardian photographer Dave Gillespie captured these pictures of the Wire’s new-look home today, Tuesday.

A similar asymptomatic site for lateral flow tests also opened at Grappenhall Cricket Club yesterday.

For the first week, the testing centres will be open from 12pm to 6pm on weekdays and from 8am to 3.30pm on Saturdays with no need to book in advance.

Anyone who is displaying symptoms must not attend and should instead book a test via gov.uk or by calling 119.

Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member for public health Cllr Maureen McLaughlin said: “It is really important that people who are not displaying any symptoms are tested onsite regularly so that we can continue to track cases of the virus and limit its transmission wherever possible.

“Please remember, however, that if you are displaying any symptoms of coronavirus you should self-isolate immediately and book a test by visiting the gov.uk website or calling 119.

“Although we all need to stay at home given the current national lockdown, we know that this just isn’t possible for everyone, and these sites have been set up for people who need to leave home to work or provide care.”

Tests involve nose and throat swabs, with results then delivered by text or email.

If positive, you must self-isolate in line with current guidance and book a further confirmatory test.

The council’s director of public health Thara Raj added: “Asymptomatic testing is really important in trying to get coronavirus rates in Warrington down and these public facing testing sites at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and Grappenhall Cricket Club are for people who cannot work from home.

“You may hear people discussing the effectiveness of the lateral flow tests, but they have been able to pick up a number of people who did not know they had coronavirus because they weren’t displaying any symptoms.

“Getting a negative test does not mean that you can ignore the current rules and you absolutely cannot deviate from the national restrictions, regardless of your test result.

“What we hope, however, is that the tests will play their part in identifying more positive cases, which will help to contain the virus’ transmission.”