EVERY resident in Warrington is urged to get tested for coronavirus to ensure they are not passing it on to other people.

With lockdown restrictions easing further on Monday, it remains vitally important to take regular tests for Covid-19, even if you are not showing any symptoms.

As of next week, non-essential retail, hairdressers and nail salons and libraries and community centres will reopen their doors to the public.

Hospitality venues will also be able to serve people outdoors only, with there being no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcohol and no curfew.

Indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, will also reopen – but only for use by people on their own or with their household.

To ensure coronavirus infections remain low in the town, all residents will be able to get twice-weekly lateral flow tests from Friday at a range of different locations.

Coronavirus testing will be available in the workplace, where you can take a supervised test or pick up a box of tests to use at home.

You should speak to your employer to see if they are setting up workplace testing, or alternatively register your business online at gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests

School pupils are already being given tests to use at home twice a week, throughout term-time and the holidays.

Warrington Guardian: Rapid lateral flow testing devices (Image: PA)Rapid lateral flow testing devices (Image: PA)

Students at high school, college and university can also order tests for themselves and their household or support bubble online at gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

Staff at nursery, school, college and university can get a regular test as part of the workplace testing scheme.

For people who cannot access tests through the other routes, you can order a box of tests online or through 119, which will be delivered to your home.

The launch of ‘pharmacy collect’ will see residents go to a participating pharmacy and pick up a free box of tests to use at home.

NHS England’s site finder allows you to search pharmacies near you that offer pharmacy collect, with more expected to sign up over the coming weeks.

The main way to get a test however remains via the five asymptomatic testing sites across Warrington.

The Halliwell Jones Stadium test centre is open between midday and 6pm on weekdays and 8.30am and 3.30pm on Saturdays, while the Grappenhall Parish Centre operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm, and between 8.30am to 3.30pm on Saturdays.

Asymptomatic coronavirus testing continues at Croft Youth and Activity Centre on Thursdays only, between 2pm and 7pm, at Burtonwood Community Centre on Mondays only between 7.30am and 2pm, and at Lymm Village Hall on Wednesdays only from 1pm to 7pm.

A community collect option is also available at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and Grappenhall Parish Centre, where you can pick up a box of tests to use at home.

Warrington Guardian: The asymptomatic coronavirus testing centre at the Halliwell Jones StadiumThe asymptomatic coronavirus testing centre at the Halliwell Jones Stadium

Those who have not done a lateral flow test before should attend a symptom-free site in the first instance to understand what is involved before picking up any further test kits to do at home.

Anyone who receives a positive lateral flow test result, regardless of whether you have been tested at home or at a symptom-free testing site, will have to self-isolate and get a confirmatory NHS (PCR) test.

In Warrington, there are also sites where people who have coronavirus symptoms – a new, persistent cough, high temperature or loss of normal taste or smell – can get tested.

You should only attend the Academy Way, Orford Jubilee Hub or Spencer House car park symptomatic sites after booking an appointment through gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 if you do not have internet access.

Thara Raj, Warrington’s director of public health, is encouraging residents to get into the habit of twice-weekly testing as part of our everyday lives.

She said: “As we all venture out more, it is important to remember that Covid-19 can still spread when you are outdoors, so you need to take the same precautions as ever.

“This is the case if you leave your home every day, if you work from home and do not leave your home much, or if you see the same close contacts regularly.

“Do your bit to protect vulnerable colleagues, friends and loved ones by getting regular lateral flow tests to reduce transmission and break any chains of infection.

“It is better to be cautious and get a regular symptom-free test, as getting a test will not hurt anyone, but unknowingly spreading coronavirus might.”