Thousands of people headed to test centres across Merseyside today to take an asymptomatic covid test ahead of Christmas.
The Southport site alone saw more than 200 tests performed in its first hour of operation.
This appears to be a huge increase on last week – when around 450 tests were being carried out per day.
Queues of hundreds of people snaked in and out of the car park, right along to Victoria Park and towards the town centre.
The site was due to open at 9am, but due to the crowds of people who were already outside, staff opened the doors at 8.20am instead.
One staff member told the ECHO : “We had to turn people away yesterday. Some had been waiting hours, so I get why you’d not be pleased.
“But my advice to anyone who wants a test is to come sooner rather than later. If you get here at half 4 expecting a test, you’ll probably be disappointed.”
See how coronavirus is impacting your area by entering your postcode below:
People of all ages were queuing at the site, with a number of families with toddlers and babies in tow.
Despite the cold, people seemed to be in good spirits, with some laughing about the queues.
One woman said she had only ever known Christmas Eve queues like this outside the butcher's - or the Pandora store.
A man said it was his "weirdest Christmas Eve ever" but said he was getting tested to "protect his mum".
People were mostly keeping a good two metre distance - with the queue breaking so that people could still enter the car park.
People are advised to check the live test site map ahead of setting off, as they may have a much shorter wait at a testing centre further afield from their nearest one.
Sefton Council has a Covid-19 helpline open today for emergency calls only.
This can be reached on 0345 140 0845 until 3pm.
