Covid-19 Testing for Swimmers, Parents & Coaches Without Symptoms
Hi all, hope everyone is doing well and keeping safe? Like me, I am sure that you are all very excited to get back into the pool whether this be club sessions, or just public lane swims. With the return to the pool right around the corner, it is important as a club and individuals that we keep ourselves safe from COVID-19. In addition to the safety measures the club set out in our previous return, one of the key methods of stopping the spread of COVID-19 is testing.
Some of you might be aware that I am currently working with Cheshire West & Chester Council in the Asymptomatic Testing Operation. I want to use this position to inform you of the services currently in place in terms of testing for COVID-19.
Under Swim England guidance, it is not mandatory for club swimmers to be regularly tested therefore the services in this information can be used optionally and at the swimmer, parent or coach’s discretion.
Luckily for WASC members, the Asymptomatic Testing centre is at the Winsford Lifestyle Centre in the Sports Hall, meaning access to testing is easy as it is right at the pool. (This is not to be confused with the site on the car park with is for symptoms only).
To access this facility, you must show NO SYMPTOMS, and not be in any form of isolation whether this be enforced NHS Track and Trace or by your school, college or employer.
The testing process is a simple throat and nose swab, and the results will come back within 30 minutes. This makes testing before or after a session easy and simple whilst also having the peace of mind that you aren’t spreading COVID-19 without knowing.
The centre opening hours are as follows:
- MONDAY - FRIDAY: 09:00 - 19:00
- SATURDAY: 09:00 - 13:00
- SUNDAY: CLOSED
(GOOD FRIDAY & EASTER MONDAY: 10:00 - 14:00)
I am also aware that some swimmers might be tested using the NHS Lateral Flow Kits sent out by schools and colleges. These kits can also be collected from our site during the same hours as above.
As earlier mentioned, this is not mandatory for swimmers to return to the pool however I recommend that this service is taken advantage of as COVID-19 can be spread easily without us knowing, especially amongst young people with only 1 in 3 showing symptoms.
For more information on the service available or any other COVID-19 guidance, please visit the CWAC website or contact myself, I am more than happy to answer any queries. My email is alexmoss10be@outlook.com.
Stay safe and hope to see you at the pool or the test centre soon!
Alex Moss
WLC Site Supervisor
Asymptomatic Testing Operation - Cheshire West & Chester Council
