COVID mass testing – your questions answered

UPDATED: Tuesday 4 November 2020

Everyone living or working in Liverpool is to be offered COVID-19 testing, whether they have symptoms or not, in the first pilot of whole city testing in England.

Liverpool is currently in the highest tier of COVID-19 restrictions because its case numbers are among the highest in the country.

Whole city testing aims to protect those at highest risk and find asymptomatic cases to help prevent and reduce transmission in the community, helping the city get back to normal as soon as possible.

Here we answer some of the questions you may have…we will add more information as we get it, so please check back regularly.

Why was Liverpool chosen?

Liverpool City Council invited the Department of Health to work with it on a mass testing pilot due to the high number of cases of coronavirus.

The city has been under tier 3 restrictions since 14 October and case numbers are still among the highest in England

We hope by providing mass testing we can protect those at highest risk, to find positive cases to help prevent and reduce transmission in the community.

Testing a large proportion means more positive cases can be identified and asked to self-isolate, which can help drive down the rate of infection locally.

The initiative is being led by Liverpool City Council, with central government supporting operationally.

Where will the testing sites be?

Work is under way to finalise the sites and they will be publicised when they are known.

How will I be able to book/get a test?

There will be a variety of ways to book a test, including online, walk-up, or by invitation from the local authority. Testing will be carried out in new and existing test sites, using home kits, in hospitals and care home settings, and schools, universities and workplaces. This will be set out in due course.

Who will be eligible?

We will be targeting people who would benefit from regular testing such as key workers, health and social care staff, school staff and pupils.

However, anyone who lives or works in Liverpool can get a test, including young people.

Is testing mandatory?

Absolutely not. We are hoping that many people will recognise the benefits of testing in reducing the transmission rate so that some of the restrictions on our way of life are lifted by Christmas.

Why should I take part?

Mass testing will provide a more accurate picture of the virus in Liverpool. Identifying people who have Covid-19 before they develop symptoms will help reduce the number of people they spread it to, reducing the transmission rate. The more we reduce the transmission rate, the quicker we will be able to get back doing the things we all enjoy, such as meeting family and friends.

What are the tests?

All residents and workers who consent will be tested using combination of existing PCR swab tests, as well as new more advanced ‘lateral flow’ tests which can rapidly turn around results within an hour without the need for a lab, as well as technology due to be deployed in Liverpool University Hospital Trust.

The pilot and contact tracing will be locally led with testing carried out at new and existing testing sites as well as through the home testing channel.

How quickly will people get their results?

The lateral flow device tests take up to an hour and are point of care tests, so don’t need to go to a lab to be processed.

How accurate is the test?

The tests have been validated by DHSC as being very accurate with high sensitivity and specificity levels.  We are continuing to work on the details of this with DHSC

What happens if I test positive?

Positive results from tests will be collected by NHS Test and Trace and published as part of the daily case numbers, including how many positive cases are detected with this new method of testing. Results will be received from NHS Test and Trace via text and email.

Anyone who tests positive, using either a lateral flow test or an existing swab test, must self-isolate along with their household immediately.  Those who test negative will need to continue to follow all national guidance.

Can I get financial help if I test positive?

Eligible individuals who test positive through the pilot will be entitled to the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment in the same way as a regular swab test through NHS Test and Trace. Please note the government has laid down eligibility criteria and they are set out here, along with details of how to apply: https://liverpool.gov.uk/communities-and-safety/emergency-planning/coronavirus/help-for-people-and-communities/benefits-advice-and-support/test-and-trace-support-payment/

If my result is negative, can I go and visit my mum in her care home? Or meet up with my friends?

Not at the moment because of Tier 3 restrictions and the national lockdown beginning on 5 November.  This is about trying to get the infection rate down so that when lockdown hopefully ends on 2 December we could be subject to fewer restrictions, which could include meeting up with friends and visiting care homes.

How will this work with the app?

Positive results from tests will be collected by NHS Test and Trace, and published as part of the daily case numbers, including how many positive cases are detected with this new method of testing.

How long will the pilot last?

This has not yet been decided but it will run for at least 10 days.

Will this be rolled out to other areas of the city region, or the rest of the country?

An evaluation of testing the whole of Liverpool will inform the potential rollout of whole town or city testing to other areas, as part of the government’s commitment to make mass testing available.

Why is the army involved?

Liverpool City Council does not have the staff numbers needed to run the mass testing programme, so we have invited the army to support us with setting up and running the programme.

How many tests is ‘regular’ tests / how many will people be offered?

All residents and workers will be offered regular / repeat testing, however the exact details are still being developed.