A CORONAVIRUS drive-thru test centre outside the University of Bolton Stadium is up and running to check key workers and their families.

Tests are available to people in the borough by appointment only.

The facility has been set up by Bolton Council, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group.

Frontline staff, who are showing COVID-19 symptoms, can organise an appointment through their employer or self-refer. Results will be provided a few days later.

You can apply for a test if you are:

• an essential worker with coronavirus symptoms.

• aged 65 or over with symptoms.

• someone who cannot work from home and has symptoms (i.e, construction workers or delivery drivers).

• Anyone with symptoms can apply if they live with an essential worker, a person aged 65 or over, or someone who travels to work.

• You can also apply for a test if you have a clinical referral from NHS 111 online.

People are urged to get the test done in the first three days of having COVID-19 symptoms which are a high temperature or a new, continuous cough.

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms should be self-isolating according to government guidelines until they have a test result.

To book an appointment visit bolton.gov.uk/covidtesting.

Executive cabinet member for public health at Bolton Council, Cllr Susan Baines, said: “We’ve been working behind the scenes with our partners in the health service to set up a centre where our amazing frontline workers can access coronavirus (COVID-19) testing.

“Not only will this give workers and their families peace of mind, but it will allow those who test negative for the virus to get back to work more quickly to support the community at this difficult time.”

Essential workers, who are self-isolating, can also book a home test or a test at the regional testing centre at Manchester Airport or Haydock Racecourse by clicking here.

Anyone testing positive should continue to follow the NHS guidelines about self-isolation and focus on their recovery.