A MOBILE testing unit is currently based at the former Eccleston Park golf club today Friday and will be based at Clifton Street car park in the town centre tomorrow, Saturday, October 17.

The mobile testing unit is in response to the high rate of infection in the borough.

Only people with these symptoms - new, continuous cough; high temperature over 37.8 or a loss of or change in their sense of smell or taste – should book a test.

Tests are by appointment only - anyone who attempts to turn up at the testing facility without an appointment and a QR code will be turned away.

You can apply for a test online at https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/antigen/name or by calling NHS 119.

Bookings come online the night before and throughout the day to manage demand so if you cannot get a test appointment immediately please keep trying.

Sue Forster, Director of Public Health in St Helens, said: "We know that this situation is a difficult time for people. Through testing we can understand more about the scale of this situation and how the virus is behaving, which will help us to bring normal life back again.

"Mobile testing sites help us to prioritise, by adding additional capacity for a short time where it will have the most benefit.”

A time slot and the location of the mobile unit will be provided upon booking. Instructions on how to take the test and how and when people they will receive their results will be provided when taking the test. People without a booking and QR code will be turned away - without exception.

There is also testing available at Haydock Park Racecourse which is available to book through the same channels.

Residents are reminded of the need to ensure social distancing, wearing of face coverings, hand washing and the need to self-isolate if someone in the household has symptoms to protect the virus spreading to the most vulnerable.