Lewisham Council opens new rapid testing site for critical workers without Covid-19 symptoms

By Grainne Cuffe, local democracy reporter

Lewisham Council has opened a new rapid testing site for critical workers without Covid-19 symptoms.

The site at the Civic Suite in Catford is offering rapid, lateral flow tests and is open to Lewisham residents working in a critical role who are unable to work from home.

Residents can also book a test if they live in the same household or are in a support bubble with a critical worker.

The site is also testing children of critical workers, vulnerable children, and young people and children attending alternative provisions and special schools.

Rapid tests are only open to children over the age of 11.

Testing is also available to the borough’s community champions, those caring for friends and family, and voluntary networks.

Tests are processed on site so results are returned quickly, usually within an hour.

Appointments are available every day from 10am to 4pm and residents must have one to get tested.

The tests are not available to anyone who has Covid-19 symptoms – residents with symptoms must book through the national testing service.

Lewisham Mayor Damien Egan said: “Lewisham is now facing high levels of Covid-19 infections. It is vital that we stop the spread of the virus.

“One in three people who have Covid-19 don’t have symptoms and will be spreading the virus without realising, putting their friends and families at risk.

“We must do everything we can to protect those who are delivering critical services at this time.

“Rapid, or lateral flow, tests can help us identify those individuals who may have Covid-19 without symptoms and this is an important step in helping to stop the spread of the virus.”

To book go here: lewisham.gov.uk/communitytesting.

For anyone displaying symptoms, there are testing sites in Catford and Deptford and a new local testing unit is now open seven days a week at Molesworth Car Park from 8am to 8pm every day.