Edgbaston to become testing centre for COVID-19

BIRMINGHAM: Warwickshire have donated their Edgbaston Cricket Stadium for the use of the National Health Service in a bid to help in the battle against COVID-19.

The ground — more specifically, the car park — will be used as a drive-through testing centre for NHS staff. Those requiring tests will drive in through the Edgbaston Road entrance and undergo the procedure while remaining in their vehicle. They will then leave via the Pershore Road exit.

Warwickshire also plan to offer NHS staff free entry to a Vitality Blast fixture later in the summer. Details of this offer will be released as and when the schedule for the 2020 season is announced.

The UK has witnessed something of an outpouring of gratitude towards NHS staff in recent weeks. As details of the severity of the crisis have become clear, it has also become apparent that many staff — some of whom are not especially well paid — are working in desperately demanding conditions without adequate protective equipment or access to testing.

Sam Curran and Jos Buttler are among the England players who have begun their own fund-raising efforts for NHS related charities.

The NHS staff COVID-19 testing station will start operating within a few days and will remain at Edgbaston until further notice.