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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Andrew Bardsley

Pilot scheme offering rapid coronavirus held in Manchester courts

A pilot scheme to use rapid coronavirus testing at courts is being held in Manchester.

Tests are being offered to those without symptoms attending cases at Manchester's Civil Justice Centre for the next four weeks.

Those set to be offered tests include judges, court staff, lawyers and other workers based at the city centre site.

The lateral flow tests are voluntary and give results faster than other methods of testing.

Results are expected to be provided within about 30 minutes, by text or email.

Anyone testing positive will not be allowed to enter the court.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service says the scheme will be used to work out how such testing could be introduced across the country, and support the Test and Trace programme.

Kevin Sadler, Acting CEO of HMCTS, said: "We are pleased to be supporting NHS Test and Trace in their national testing programme by running this pilot trial for lateral flow testing.

"The results will help develop and improve the national testing programme and inform how we could roll out rapid testing nationally to other courts and tribunals.

"We have worked hard to ensure that all our courts and tribunal buildings meet Public Health Covid-secure guidelines. This additional measure will provide further reassurance to those visiting our buildings."

Trained staff will work at the court to oversee the testing, with court users being invited to book a test slot.

It is the latest initiative introduced by the courts service, aimed at keeping the system working during the pandemic.

Nightingale courts have also been introduced at other venues to increase capacity, including at The Lowry theatre in Salford.

In the crown courts, trials are being conducted over several court rooms to ensure social distancing is being observed.

Jury boxes have been fitted with plexiglass screens in between each jury member, so they can sit closer together without breaching social distancing rules.

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