Soldiers to stand down from mass testing in Liverpool

Soldiers helping with Liverpool's fight against coronavirus will officially stand down today.

Over the past month around 2,000 troops have tested more than a third of the city's population across 50 sites.

That work is set to continue at a reduced number of sites by a team of specially trained civilian staff.

Sgt Michael McNaughton from the Irish Guards says seeing how the people of Liverpool have responded makes him proud to be a Scouser :

"We're a sociable bunch and we all want to be out seeing family and friends coming up to Christmas and the only way to do that is to get tested and collect the data.

"The city has done that and it's done itself proud."

Although mass testing is coming to an end in Liverpool, a select number of sites around the city will still be offering asymptomatic tests for the public.

Meanwhile, efforts are ramping up in Knowsley, Sefton, Wirral, St Helens and Halton to offer the asymptomatic tests there.

Sgt McNaughton says to be able to return to his hometown and help out in its hour of need has been an honour :

"The people of this city are renowned for their solidarity and strength, Thank you for coming out and getting tested.

"Bussing between locations you drive past your house and you think I really want to go home and have a brew with my parents but you can't.

"I had no doubty the city would turn out to get tested and we've had people coming through saying thank you, Really appreciative of the fact we are trying to offer them tests."