Armed forces arrive at Pontins ahead of Liverpool mass coronavirus testing

5 November 2020, 14:23 | Updated: 5 November 2020, 14:30

Soldiers at Pontin's in Southport where they will be staying ahead of the start of mass Covid-19 testing in Liverpool
Soldiers at Pontin's in Southport where they will be staying ahead of the start of mass Covid-19 testing in Liverpool. Picture: PA

By Megan White

Soldiers have been bussed in to a Pontins holiday park in Merseyside as Liverpool prepares for a mass coronavirus testing programme.

About 2,000 Armed Forces personnel are being deployed to the area for the pilot of mass testing in England.

The programme, which will begin on Friday, will mean anyone living or working in the city can be tested regularly, even if they have no symptoms, in an approach which Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "has the potential to be a powerful new weapon in our fight against Covid-19".

Soldiers at Pontin's in Southport where they will be staying ahead of the start of mass Covid-19 testing in Liverpool
Soldiers at Pontin's in Southport where they will be staying ahead of the start of mass Covid-19 testing in Liverpool. Picture: PA

Read more: Rishi Sunak announces furlough scheme extended until the end of March

On Thursday, coaches carrying soldiers arrived at the Pontins Southport Holiday Park in Sefton, where the entrance was manned by Army personnel.

Army and police vehicles were also seen arriving at the site, which is usually a holiday destination for families staying at the seaside resort.

Soldiers at Pontin's in Southport where they will be staying ahead of the start of mass Covid-19 testing in Liverpool
Soldiers at Pontin's in Southport where they will be staying ahead of the start of mass Covid-19 testing in Liverpool. Picture: PA

Soldiers will work alongside NHS Test and Trace and commercial partners to support the mass testing by planning logistics and delivering the rapid turnaround lateral flow testing part of the programme.

Speaking when the initiative was announced on Monday, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "We will be deploying 2,000 talented Armed Forces personnel to, once again, rise to the challenges posed by Covid-19 to ensure we go above and beyond for the Liverpool community - we will have your backs throughout the trial.

Supplies are brought to Pontins in Southport
Supplies are brought to Pontins in Southport. Picture: PA

Read more: Nurse, 73, arrested for taking mum, 97, out of care home tells LBC of her ordeal

"The military are uniquely placed to help with the fight against Covid-19 and remain ready to support with the mass testing initiative in Liverpool along with the additional needs of the country at this time."

The aim of the programme is to find asymptomatic cases in order to help prevent and reduce transmission in the community.

Testing will be carried out in new and existing sites across the city, including in hospitals, care home settings, schools, universities, workplaces and using at-home kits.

Soldiers at Pontin's in Southport where they will be staying ahead of the start of mass Covid-19 testing in Liverpool
Soldiers at Pontin's in Southport where they will be staying ahead of the start of mass Covid-19 testing in Liverpool. Picture: PA

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

King Charles attending the Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere of "Gladiator II"

King Charles walks red carpet alone as he appears without Queen Camilla at Gladiator II premiere

Focused businessman working at laptop in highrise office, London, UK

Civil servants call for four-day week, saying move is 'critical to attaining a good quality of life'

ed

Fireworks linked to death of baby red panda who died from 'stress' on Bonfire Night

Guests Appear On The Laura Keunssberg Show

Chancellor to merge council pension pots into 'megafunds' to unlock investment cash

President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump and Biden 'both really enjoyed seeing each other', claims President-elect after historic meeting at White House

Louise Thompson

Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson breaks silence following emergency surgery after septic shock

President Trump Speaks at America First Agenda Summit

Who has Trump picked to be in his cabinet so far and who is in the running?

The Sun's Who Cares Wins Awards 2021 - Red Carpet Arrivals

Rod Stewart say he 'may have to find new owners' for his five sports cars due to potholes near his home

Council tax bills will soar by more than £100 next year Downing Street confirms

Council tax bills to soar by more than £100 next year Downing Street confirms

Producer and songwriter Quincy Jones has died at the age of 91

Quincy Jones cause of death revealed following music titan's death aged 91

Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham

Moment locals explode in fury as they are told migrants will get 'free private healthcare' at public meeting

Police tape surrounds a ride at the Funderpark in Yiewsley, London

Mum-of-eight hurled from fairground ride and sent into coma agrees to £1.43m settlement after High Court battle with owner

Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump Holds Election Night Event In West Palm Beach

Donald Trump's grip on power tightens as Republican Party wins majority of seats in House of Representatives

Two women - who were part of a global monkey torture network - have been jailed

Two women jailed after being part of 'sickening and sadistic' monkey torture network

Wes Streeting

Health Secretary Wes Streeting orders staff to look into costs of introducing assisted dying

'Del Boy billionaire’ saves DIY chain Homebase from collapse rescuing 70 UK stores

'Del Boy billionaire’ saves DIY chain Homebase from collapse rescuing 70 UK stores