In pictures: putting soldiers to the test in Liverpool
Mass COVID-19 testing has rolled out across Liverpool with the Armed Forces stepping up for those who want to get tested.
Soldiers from 8 Engineer Brigade, the Royal Anglian Regiment, the King’s Royal Hussars and others from the UK Resilience Units, are offering tests to the people of Liverpool from sites all over the city.
Step 1: Building test sites.
The Armed Forces constructed around 45 testing sites in Liverpool. Unlike the Mobile Testing Units, these are static - inside buildings and stadiums rather than outdoor car parks.
In gifs…
In pictures…
Step 2: start the testing process.
Around 2000 Military personnel are working alongside NHS Test and Trace and commercial partners to deliver lateral flow testing. A small team of bio-medical scientists are helping train civilians to conduct the tests.
Lateral flow tests are intended to detect whether COVID-19 is present by applying a swab from the nose and throat to a special test kit, and providing results without the need for a full scale laboratory.
Step 3: open the doors for everyone wanting to and volunteering to get a COVID-19 test.
Testing will be carried out in new and existing test sites, using home kits, in hospitals and care home settings, and schools, universities and workplaces. There is even a test site in Anfield Stadium, home to Liverpool Football Club. Liverpool residents can book online, walk-up, or by invitation from the local authority.
