Sheffield reservists operate mobile coronavirus testing units across Yorkshire

More than 150 reservists from 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, 4YORKS, are helping support the government’s effort to increase testing.

The troops have been operating the mobile testing units from about 20 sites across the region, including Rotherham United FC’s New York Stadium, rotating every three days to ensure all communities are receiving support before transferring to a new location.

Among those stepping up are Pte Dan Millea, aged 20, from Herringthorpe, Rotherham, usually an assistant accountant with Morgan Sindall in Sheffield and Pte Paul Bailey, 22, from Hunter’s Bar.

Pte Bailey, who first joined the reserves while studying biochemistry and genetics at The University of Sheffield, said: “People are really appreciative of being able to have the test, so it’s nice to be part of the team that is helping to make that possible.

“We had one man with two children with cystic fibrosis and he needed the test so he could be sure he could get back to being with his family without putting anyone at risk.

“We operate a drive-through system and people stay in their cars throughout and we give them instructions and support over the phone. From here, they get their results with 48 to 72 hours and that means those without the virus can go back to doing their invaluable work on the frontline or return to being with their families if they have been self-isolating.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to The Star website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital rev enues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.