THE home of Burton Albion is set to play a vital part in supporting the NHS in the fight against Coronavirus/COVID-19.
Pirelli Stadium is set to host a testing centre that will be used to test NHS staff and other key workers for the virus. It will be one of 50 sites being established nationally.
Dr Richard Harling, who is chairing the Strategic Coordinating Group which is leading the multiagency response across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “We would like to say how grateful we are to Burton Albion FC for the co-operation they have given us, especially over the Bank Holiday period.
“Pirelli Stadium is an ideal location as they have large open areas where social distancing can be practised.
“The NHS is establishing sites specifically to test staff, but not members of the public, for coronavirus. Our focus currently is on critical care staff who are self-isolating, either because they are symptomatic or a member of their household is symptomatic. Testing will begin from next week.”
Burton Albion chairman, Ben Robinson MBE DL, said: “We are delighted to be able to assist the NHS at this time.
“We shall be providing a car park and other support to ensure the NHS can do this crucial work. We shall also be providing support with volunteers from our stewarding and security teams, and I would like to thank them in advance for their efforts.”
Dr Harling added: “We would like to stress that only staff who are referred to the site can be tested. I would ask everyone to follow official NHS advice on Coronavirus/COVID-19 and not take advice from social media.”