A drive-through coronavirus testing centre in Sefton has opened with the help of the army.
The pilot testing centre at the Esplanade Park and Ride in Southport has offered tests for key workers since earlier this week.
The tests were for those self-isolating because they or someone they live with were experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
They have been conducted on a number of days this week, with the testing ending today at 3pm.
The drive-through facility meant key workers could be tested for the virus, allowing people in vital roles to get back to work if they tested negative.
Tests were being carried out by soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment via a swab sample from the patient's nose and throat which was then sent away for testing.
Employees who were eligible for testing were being contacted by their employer or could contact their bosses to request a test, either on behalf of themselves or someone who lives in their household.
Candidates were eligible for the tests if they were over 18 and were symptomatic but not so ill that they couldn't work.
Family members of those working in vital roles could also get tested if it meant key workers needed to self-isolate until COVID-19 could be ruled out.
Anyone who was too ill to work would not be eligible.
Councillor Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “Sefton Council, working closely with our partners across the borough, have been identifying those key workers who meet the strict criteria for testing, so that they can be tested for COVID-19 in a safe and accessible way.
"Our dedicated workforces want to be at work, supporting our local communities, and those who test negative will be able to return to the vital roles they play in the fight against Coronavirus.”
A test centre has already opened in Haydock Park racecourse and another facility is set to open in Liverpool city centre over the coming days.
The government aims to have around 50 regional testing centres open by the end of the month.
The news follows the launch of the Government’s partnership with universities, research institutes and companies to begin rollout of the network of new labs and field testing sites across the UK, with 13 new testing centres opened so far.
Samples from the testing sites will be analysed at new labs that have been set up in Milton Keynes, Alderley Park and Glasgow using Thermo Fisher Scientific test machines loaned from universities across the country as well as public sector research centres.
A statement from the Department of Health and Social Care said: “This network will provide thousands more PCR swab tests, which are used to identify if you currently have the virus, for critical key workers – starting with NHS front line staff.
“This means those who test negative for coronavirus can return to work as soon as possible, and those who test positive are able to recover.”
