Lambeth Council ‘grateful for incredible response’ to enhanced Covid-19 testing

Lambeth Council has said it is ‘grateful for the incredible response’ to the enhanced Covid-19 PCR testing that has now been completed.

A large numbers of residents, businesses, schools and faith groups took part.

Lambeth council worked in partnership with Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace to deliver this enhanced in testing in a response to a cluster of cases of the variant first identified in South Africa locally.

More than 70,000 tests have been registered by people over 11-years-old in Lambeth since the April 12, with 0.2 per cent positive Covid-19 cases reported.

Ruth Hutt, Lambeth’s Director of Public Health, said: “We thank everyone who took part in this enhanced testing, and the preliminary findings indicate no spread of the variant locally.

“We know many people have gone out of their way to get tested, often waiting patiently in line to have a PCR swab.

“It is hugely appreciated. Our communities have demonstrated a real unity and commitment here for which we are hugely grateful.

“We will share the full results from this surge in testing when we have received sequencing results for all positive samples which can be successfully analysed.”

For people who do test positive, Lambeth has a Covid-19 self-isolation support service for those who need it, that includes payments of up to £500 for residents on low incomes.

To find out more call 0800 054 1215, 9am to 5pm, seven days a week or visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/self-isolate-help.

All positive Covid-19 samples with a high enough viral load from our testing in Lambeth will continue to be sent for genomic sequencing.

This will help understand the spread of the variant locally.

Full results from this surge in testing will be released when sequencing results for all positive samples has been analysed.

If any variant of concern cases are identified the local health protection team will be immediately notified so they can deliver an enhanced public health response.

Routine rapid testing is available to everyone through: home testing, workplace testing, community testing, collection from test sites during specific collection windows, testing on-site at schools and colleges and collection from participating pharmacies.

Despite the main operation ending, the option for people to continue to return testing kits and have onsite PCR Covid-19 testing in some capacity will continue to operate, but on a smaller scale through the week to ensure no one misses out.

As a result residents will be able to drop off PCR test kits for analysis past today (April 28) at:

Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton
Streatham Library, Streatham
St John’s Church, Waterloo
Brockwell Park, near Brockwell Hall

People living and working in Lambeth can continue to have on site PCR Covid-19 tests at one of four NHS sites that will remain open through the week depending on demand.

They are at:

Clapham Common, Windmill Drive, near the playground
Stockwell, Next to Stockwell War Memorial, South Lambeth Road
Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Rd, South Bank,
Windrush Square, Brixton

Opening times are on the council website

For more information visit lambeth.gov.uk

If you have coronavirus symptoms, you should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus, via the NHS COVID-19 app or call 119. You must continue to follow the national guidance and remember, hands, face, space and fresh air.