Blackpool holidaymakers could be Covid tested at hotels

Other measures could include ensuring people travelling to the resort by coach are tested before they board.

Concerns about the possible impact of an influx of tourists on case numbers in the resort were raised at a meeting of Blackpool Council’s audit committee.

Liz Petch, a consultant with the council’s public health team, said talks had been held with the hospitality sector.

She said: “Planning work and engagement has gone on with the hospitality and hotel sector, first to ensure they test their staff regularly.

“But we’re also hoping we’ll be able to have test kits available for visitors to use when they are staying in hotels too.

“At the moment we have a good supply of kits so its not an issue, at least until the end of June.”

She added visitors could also use the community testing drop in facility inside the Houndshill Shopping Centre.

The meeting heard current contracts for the government to supply free tests were only in place until the end of June, but public health chiefs nationally were lobbying for testing to continue beyond that date.

Coun Kim Critchley warned this was vital as “Blackpool is a tourist town and we are about to open up at the end of June.”

Coun Rick Scott asked if people would be tested prior to reaching Blackpool if they were travelling by train or coach.

Ms Petch said there were no procedures currently in place for train passengers, but talks had been held with coach operators.

She said the council was “deep in conversation with providers to ensure they are Covid secure and to encourage that they test before they travel.”

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