The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has affected the world severely. It has brought the world to a standstill with many countries being completely lockdown for safety and to contain the spread of the virus. All major sporting events have also been affected as many events are being postponed or canceled. Cricket also suffers from a similar fate with all cricket matches being rescheduled or postponed because of the same. Making the best out of the situation, National Health Service (NHS) has converted the Edgbaston cricket stadium into a coronavirus testing centre. The step was undertaken to help the nation fight against the pandemic spread of the virus.
The pandemic spread of the COVID-19 Virus has affected more than 33,700 people across the UK taking away more than 2,920 lives. Originated in China, the virus has now affected more than 1,017,560 people taking 53,240 lives.
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The Car park area of the cricket ground will be specifically used as a drive-through testing center for NHS staff. ESPN Cricinfo has reported that people living in the area who require testing will drive in through the Edgbaston Road entrance and undergo the procedure while they are seated in their vehicle itself. Later on, They can leave via the Pershore Road exit.
In a noble gesture and gratitude of thank you, Warwickshire has also planned to offer NHS staff free entry at the Vitality Blast fixture which is scheduled to help later in the English summer.
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“With our county cricket programme and conference and events business closed until May 29, our staff have been exploring various options which enable the club to keep supporting our local community during these difficult times, whether that be through making calls to our elderly members and ex-players, volunteering and by offering Edgbaston Stadium for use in the wider civil contingency effort,”Warwickshire chief executive Neil Snowball, said.