Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed priority being given to testing frontline health workers for coronavirus at the SSE Arena but said assurances are needed about the quality of testing at such sites.

The drive-through facility at the arena car park went live this weekend. South Belfast MLA Ms Bradshaw said issues had been raised about some of the testing at similar sites in England.

“It is right the Health Minister both uses our infrastructure to its maximum extent to expand testing, and that he prioritises health and social care staff in doing so,” she said.

“However, issues have been raised about similar centres which have just begun operating in England because staff are not getting close enough to take an accurate test. This is another area where PPE is therefore absolutely essential.

“I would therefore seek immediate assurances from the Minister PPE will be available to all those carrying out the tests, and testing will therefore be accurate.”