No symptoms COVID-19 testing (SMART)

“SMART” testing refers to Systematic, Meaningful, Asymptomatic, Repeated Testing using rapid tests – called lateral flow tests – and is the model we are using for community testing across Halton and the other areas of the Liverpool City Region (Halton, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral).

Getting a test if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms

Whole-community smart testing aims to protect those at highest risk and find asymptomatic cases (people without any symptoms).

This will help prevent and reduce transmission in the community. The more people we can test, the better we can fight the virus in our local area.

Stay Strong Halton. #LetsGetTested

How to get a test:

• No booking required. Occasionally, at busy times, you may need to queue but we are working very hard to ensure people get through the centre as quickly as possible, within 15 minutes in most cases.
• The test involves a swab from the nose and mouth, which is done by you. The results are usually available from 30 minutes to two hours later.
• Please observe social distancing and wear face coverings when visiting the test centre.
• Please see site details and opening times below.

Very important:

• Please Do NOT attend a Smart ‘no symptoms’ community testing site if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or feel unwell with new symptoms (such as sore throat, headache) – please go to the NHS Test Centre at the vacant Police station/magistrates on Kingsway in Widnes or behind the St Paul’s Health Centre in Runcorn.
• Please Do NOT attend if you have been told by a contact tracer/NHS App that you are a contact of a positive case – you are required by law to self-isolate for 10 days and can be fined up to £10,000 for non-compliance. There is no ‘test to release’ available at these sites.

Please contact COVIDtesting@halton.gov.uk if you have any queries, feedback or you require further information.

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