A WALK-through coronavirus testing facility is to open at Brindley Car Park in Runcorn today, Wednesday.

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test that takes less than a minute from the new facility, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing.

Tests should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119, and you can expect your result the next day.

The Runcorn site is easily accessible without a car.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering, including travelling to and from the testing centre.

Testing is available for everyone, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts.

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, advising them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus.

The new Runcorn testing centre is being operated in partnership with G4S, and will offer self-administered tests.

Gordon Brockington, G4S director said: "We are proud of our important role in setting up and managing this Covid-19 testing site, and other similar sites across the UK.

"It has been inspiring to see the enthusiasm of our employees to step up and support the government, our health services and the public during this crisis."

Health minister Lord Bethell said: "Testing is proving an effective way to contain the virus so we are scaling testing capacity and walk-through centres to make it even easier for everyone to get a free coronavirus test.

"Our NHS Test and Trace service will contact you if you test positive or if you have been in close contact with someone who has the virus.

"I urge anyone with symptoms to book a test today, and anyone contacted by NHS Test and Trace to follow their advice to protect those around them from the virus."

Baroness Dido Harding, interim executive chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, added: "Getting a test is now faster and easier than ever.

"Local sites will mean anyone who has symptoms can get a free test quickly to find out whether they have the virus and need to stay at home, or can safely return to work and get back to the things they love.

"More than 95 per cent of people will get their results the next day, and anyone who tests positive will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help to prevent the spread of the virus."

The testing centre is being operated in partnership with G4S, and will offer self-administered tests.

Gordon Brockington, G4S director said: "We are proud of our important role in setting up and managing this Covid-19 testing site, and other similar sites across the UK.

"It has been inspiring to see the enthusiasm of our employees to step up and support the government, our health services and the public during this crisis."