Temporary Walkway Mats for a Covid-19 Test Centre on Grass in West Yorkshire
A Covid-19 Test Centre was established on a grass field in West Yorkshire during the height of the pandemic. With thousands of people expected to move through the site over several months, the client needed a safe, structured route to and from a series of portable cabins. The aim was to keep pedestrian access reliable on soft winter ground while also supporting two-metre social distancing, particularly when queues formed.
The Challenge: High Footfall, Soft Ground, and Two-Metre Social Distancing
Winter conditions had already left the ground soft, and sustained foot traffic risked turning the field into a muddy hazard. The client needed to reduce slips and trips and prevent the grass surface from being churned up over time.
Alongside ground conditions, there was a specific operational requirement: maintaining two-metre distancing along the route. Any solution had to provide clear, repeatable visual cues without relying on temporary painted lines that could wear away or become unclear in wet weather.
Our Solution: FastCover Plus Mats With a CoviDistance Pack Layout
Based on previous support for Covid Test Centres in Liverpool, Suffolk, and Wolverhampton, GroundGuards recommended FastCover Plus walkway mats configured with a CoviDistance Pack.
CoviDistance Packs for Clear Spacing Using Different Coloured Mats
Each CoviDistance Pack includes eight black FastCover Plus mats and two yellow mats. By laying a different colour every fifth mat, the walkway provided a consistent visual cue to help people judge spacing and maintain two-metre distancing, particularly in queueing areas. This approach created a clearer, longer-term solution than painted markings, which can fade or become obscured in poor conditions.
Quick Manual Installation on Soft Ground
FastCover Plus mats measure 1.2m x 0.6m and weigh 14.5kg. Integrated hand holes made them easy to carry and install by hand, without tools or joiners. Two workers installed over 100 metres of walkway in less than half a day, enabling the site to become operational quickly.
Slip-Resistant Surface for Wet Winter Conditions
The anti-slip surface improved underfoot safety on wet grass. Once installed, the mats remained securely interlocked and robust enough to withstand continuous use throughout the pandemic period.
Results: Safe Access, Clear Distancing, and Protected Grass
The client was pleased with both the appearance and the performance of the walkway. The alternating yellow mats supported distancing behaviour, while the black mats kept the route looking neat and professional.
Thousands of people used the walkways safely over the course of the programme. The mats protected the grass, reduced trip hazards, and provided clear, socially distanced access. GroundGuards also waived installation fees for this essential public health project.
Key Lessons for High-Footfall Walkways With Spacing Requirements
- On grass sites, stabilise pedestrian routes early to prevent mud, rutting, and growing slip risk over longer operating periods.
- If spacing matters, use different coloured mats as repeatable visual markers rather than relying on paint that can fade or wash out.
- Lightweight mats that install by hand enable rapid deployment when programmes are time-critical.
- Anti-slip surfaces are essential for public-facing routes in wet weather, particularly where queues form and movement is slower.
- Interlocking systems help keep routes secure and consistent, even under sustained daily use.
Speak to GroundGuards About Safe Walkway Mats for Grass and Soft Surfaces
If you need safe pedestrian routes on grass or soft ground, especially for high footfall or rapid-response environments, GroundGuards can help. We supply fast, practical ground protection systems that improve safety, accessibility, and site presentation. Contact our team to discuss the right solution for your location.
