Lambeth Community Testing programme now has three sites up and running, with the capacity to carry out more than 3,000 rapid tests a week – a number that will rise in the coming weeks.
The quick, free tests are available at Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton town centre, a marquee in Brockwell Park and in the education centre next to Brixton Windmill off Blenheim Gardens – with results usually back within an hour.
An appointment must be booked in advance, and walk-in requests cannot be accepted. The tests are available for people who live or work in Lambeth.
To book a test visit lambethbooking.sishost.co.uk/OnlineBookings/
Cllr Jim Dickson, Lambeth’s joint Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “We have worked hard to get these centres up and running as quickly as possible. A third of Covid-19 infections are non-symptomatic so people may unwittingly be spreading the virus.
“Community Testing is incredibly important as the current lockdown rules allow some people to leave their home for work and other reasons. This is a significant number of people in Lambeth so these tests are a useful way of catching those who may have Covid-19, but don’t have any symptoms. We are currently recommending weekly testing for those can’t work from home.
“These rapid tests are a useful tool as part of all our efforts to stop the spread of the virus, but the best way to reduce the rate of Covid-19 is to only leave your home when absolutely necessary – and when you do, by following the Hands, Face, Space guidance.”
The council is looking at opening further sites in the borough for Community Testing and has been approached by Lambeth businesses who have offered to accommodate the temporary sites as a way of supporting the initiative.
You cannot get a rapid Covid-19 test if you have Covid-19 symptoms, are under-18 or do not live or work in Lambeth. Residents with Covid-19 symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your taste or smell – must still self-isolating and book a test through the NHS at the GOV.UK website.
