A Covid ward at Whiston Hospital THE number of recorded coronavirus cases in St Helens increased by 251 within 24 hours, official figures show. The figures underline the rapid acceleration in cases over recent weeks, which is being mirrored across the country. Data released by Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, meanwhile, showed the weekly case rate for St Helens had gone up to 578.2 per 100,000 people (to January 4) a rise of 365 from the previous week. St Helens rate has grown significantly but is still the lowest across the neighbouring areas, with Knowsley s rate 944.7, Liverpool s 732.6, Halton s 1000.7, Wirral s 711.2 and Sefton s 713.9. It leaves the overall rate for Liverpool City Region as 750.1 per 100,000. The country is in a strict national lockdown, with school closures and a strong stay at home message.
The test centre at St Mary s Market THERE will be a temporary closure of St Helens asymptomatic coronavirus test centres tomorrow (Friday, January 8). All symptom-free testing centres across the borough will be closed on Friday. This is to enable the testing centre booths to be replaced. Booths had originally been hired, due to the quick response needed to get centres open and operating in early December. The booths will now be made and installed by council employed staff tomorrow, which will mean no ongoing costs from rental. The testing sites at St Mary’s Market in St Helens town centre, Chester Lane Community Centre, Sutton and Grange Valley Youth Centre, Haydock offer quick tests that give results after 30 minutes and is open to anyone without any symptoms of COVID-19.
A symptom-free mass testing site is based in St Mary s Indoor Market ST HELENS’ community Covid testing sites will close on New Year’s Day, before resuming its usual opening times. Currently, you can get tested in St Helens town centre, Sutton Manor and Haydock, with the result being sent between 30 minutes to two hours depending on demand. The testing sites are open Monday to Friday, between 8.30am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday, between 10am to 3pm. The three sites will be open as normal tomorrow (Wednesday), with reduced hours on New Year’s Eve. All sites will close on New Year’s Day.
Currently, there are three symptom-free, community testing sites in St Helens. The lateral flow test involves a swab from the nose and mouth, which you do yourself. Results are usually available from 30 minutes to two hours later depending on demand. If you test positive, you should isolate immediately and complete a PCR home testing kit to confirm if you have Covid-19.
Where can I get a rapid Covid test?
St Mary’s Indoor Market, town centre
Chester Lane Community Centre, Sutton Manor
Grange Valley Youth Centre, Haydock
Christmas and New Year opening times
Wednesday, December 23: 8.30am to 7pm
Christmas Eve: 8.30am to 4pm