A study is underway to test why some people who caught Covid became seriously ill while others had only mild symptoms - with people in Merseyside urged to sign up.
The initiative sees the genes of people analysed potentially leading to new treatments to fight the virus, which are in clinical trials.
Nationally, another 600 volunteers are needed before the study closes next month and the call has gone out for more people in Merseyside take part.
There have been 8,000 volunteers so far.
For it to be effective and and generate meaningful results, scientists urgently need to recruit more people from all backgrounds, particularly those of Asian and Black heritage along with more men.
The study is open to anyone who caught Covid but who didn’t need hospital treatment with volunteers able to book home appointments to donate blood.
Blood donated by volunteers will be checked to see if their genes played a role.
The study, which closes on June 20, is said to be especially important in light of new research that highlighted the disparities in symptoms across different demographics.
Professor Sir Mark Caulfield, Chief Scientist at Genomics England, said: "We’re in a race against the clock to find another 600 suitable people to volunteer matched for age, gender and ethnicity of those people who were severely affected and needed hospital treatment.
"We particularly need more men to join the study and members of Liverpool’s Asian and black communities as these people were most severely affected by Covid.
"If you tested positive for Covid but did not need to go to hospital, please sign up.
"You’ll be making a real contribution to improving the medical care and outcome for those most at risk from the virus - both now and in the future.”
Once registering online, volunteers can make an appointment for a nurse to visit their home and take a small blood sample.
To take part, visit here
