Matt Ashton, Liverpool's Director of Public Health, has appealed to anyone who has traveled north from London or the South East for Christmas to be tested as soon as possible for COVID-19.

Against the background of the new strain of the virus, which appears to be 70% more transmissible than the original, and in the knowledge that some residents of hot spot areas either came north some days ago, or even yesterday to beat the newly imposed Tier 4 deadline, Matt is imploring people to be tested in order to limit any spread.

Locally, if you do not have symptoms, the nearest testing centre is Greasby Library. You don't need to book, but you do need a mobile number or email address to register when you arrive. The facility is open 7 days a week, 10:30am to 6:30pm, but closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

You can find out more here.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms you can visit Heswall Library except on Christmas Day when the service will not be available.

It is recommended you book to guarantee a test. However, a limited number of walk-in non-appointments are available at this site, which is open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, apart from Christmas Day.