Covid-19 testing sites for people with no symptoms open in Lambeth

By Grainne Cuffe, local democracy reporter

Lambeth Council is opening more Covid-19 testing sites for residents with no symptoms.

The community testing centres, which use the rapid lateral flow tests, are targeted at people who cannot work from home.

Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton and a tent in Brockwell Park, Herne Hill, opened earlier this month.

A new site at Lilian Baylis Technology School in Kennington is opening on Monday, February 1, and another is opening at Streatham Library on Wednesday, February 3.

Brixton Windmill was a testing site but will no longer be used to ensure a better borough-wide spread of locations.

An appointment must be booked in advance and walk-in requests will not be accepted. 

Around one in three people with Covid-19 are thought to be asymptomatic but can still pass it on. 

The facilities are not available to people who have Covid-19 symptoms, are under-18, or do not live or work in Lambeth. 

To book at test visit lambethbooking.sishost.co.uk/OnlineBookings/. 

Those attending the testing centres should bring the confirmation email of their appointment either on their phone or printed out, and a mask unless exempt. 

The rapid test, called a lateral flow test, involves taking a swab of the inside of the nose and the back of the throat, using a long cotton bud.  

Results will be sent out the same day via text or email and are usually available within an hour.  

People who receive a positive test must self-isolate immediately and book another test with the national testing service. 

The PCR test, the ‘gold standard’ test which is analysed in a lab, will be used to confirm the result of the rapid test. 

Cllr Jim Dickson, Lambeth’s joint cabinet member for health and social care, said: “Coronavirus infection rates in the borough are heading in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go and rates remain incredibly high.

“The pressure on the NHS is huge and we must all do our bit to stop the spread of the virus.

“So I welcome the expansion of community testing and ask that people who are exempt from the stay at home restrictions for work and other reasons please get tested on a weekly basis.