Anyone with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms can get a test.
Coronavirus symptoms are:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
What to do if you have coronavirus symptoms
You need to get a test in the first five days of having symptoms. No testing should be done after day five, unless it’s for a specific reason agreed on a case-by-case basis by local microbiologists.
Everyone over the age of three who is showing symptoms can be tested.
Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must stay at home until you get your result.
How can I get a test if I have symptoms?
You must book an appointment below to take the test:
- at a testing site near you and get your result within 72 hours
- with a home test kit
Where can I get a test?
You can get a test in Wirral at the places listed below. Symptoms only tests are available as walk-ins at the Birkenhead, Bebington, Liscard and Heswall local testing sites, however we recommend you book to guarantee a timeslot. If you are attending one of the Mobile Testing Units (MTU) you must book beforehand. Please check below for details.
You must book an appointment if you need a test at all other sites in Wirral. Some testing centres are open temporarily, so please check the opening dates.
| Location | Opening hours | Do I need an appointment? |
|---|---|---|
|
Hamilton Building car park |
7 days a week |
Walk-ins are available at this site, however, we recommend you book to guarantee a timeslot. |
|
Car park off Civic Way |
7 days a week |
Walk-ins are available at this site, however, we recommend you book to guarantee a timeslot. |
| Car park off Seaview Road, near Liscard Community Facility Complex |
7 days a week |
Walk-ins are available at this site, however, we recommend you book to guarantee a timeslot. |
| Heswall Library |
7 days a week |
Walk-ins are available at this site, however, we recommend you book to guarantee a timeslot. |
| Europa Leisure Centre, Birkenhead |
Tue 19, Thu 21 and Fri 22 Jan |
Yes, you must book an appointment to get a test. |
| Car park at West Kirby Concourse |
Tue 19 and Wed 20 Jan 10am to 3pm |
Yes, you must book an appointment to get a test. |
|
Liverpool Airport, Manchester Airport or Haydock |
7 days a week |
Yes |
Home testing
Home test kits can be delivered to someone’s door so they can test themselves and their family without leaving the house.
You may be asked to post your sample in one of over 35,000 specially selected Royal Mail priority postboxes. You can find more information and your nearest priority postbox on the Royal Mail website
Tests for people who do not have symptoms
Anyone who lives with you, but does not have symptoms, can also get a test. They will need to go to a different testing centre, for people who do not have symptoms.
Find out more about testing for people who do not have symptoms
The need to self-isolate
Self-isolation is when you do not leave your home because you have or might have coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps stop the virus spreading to other people. If you are unsure as to whether you need to self-isolate, the NHS guidance will help.
What the test involves
The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.
You can do the swab yourself (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you. Parents or guardians have to swab test children aged 11 or under.
COVID-19 Test and Trace service
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, or been identified by NHS Test and Trace as having been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you may receive a text from Wirral Council, saying it’s from “Wirral MBC”.
This message will ask you to make sure you and your household are isolating and signpost you to information about how to get help with isolation if you are eligible.
Find out more about the Test and Trace service
Privacy information
Coronavirus testing privacy information is available on GOV.UK
Contact us
All testing communications will be sent from covid19testing@wirral.gov.uk. Please use this email address if you have any questions about the testing process.