Clapham sees a rise in Covid-19 cases as residents are urged to get tested

There has been a rise in the number of cases of Covid-19 in Lambeth over the last week – particularly in the Clapham area.

Lambeth’s latest Covid-19 rate has increased over the last week to around 30 infections per 100,000 of population which represents a 75 per cent rise on the previous week.

There are cases in Clapham linked to local schools, which are likely to reflect wider community infections.

As a precautionary measure, people living, working or studying in the Clapham area are being encouraged to have a Covid-19 PCR test.

A testing site opened in Windmill Drive over the weekend, open until 4pm.

Lambeth Council’s Public Health team is working with the schools to ensure that all measures to reduce risk and control the virus remain in place.

Anyone with a positive rapid LFD test or who feels unwell is being urged to get a PCR test immediately.

Cllr Jim Dickson, Lambeth’s joint Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “To enable easier access to Covid-19 testing to monitor any spread of the virus, the council has asked for a mobile testing unit to be deployed again to Clapham Common over this coming weekend.

“At this point in time, there is no evidence that any of the new cases are linked to a variant of concern, however, the rapid increase in the number of cases locally suggests that there is a high probability this could be a new variant as seen in other parts of London.

“Once full genetic sequencing information is available on the cases we will have more information.

“As a precaution, the council is putting these extra measures in place.”

Information on the rates of Covid-19 infection in the borough are available via the council’s website at lambeth.gov.uk/covid-19-stats.

All new cases in Lambeth and London are currently treated as potential variants of concern and we undertake enhanced contact tracing in advance of this information being available through genetic sequencing.

A comprehensive package of self-isolation support is also offered to all those required to self-isolate. Information on Lambeth council’s enhanced offer is available at lambeth.gov.uk/self-isolate-help.

It is also essential that eligible residents get vaccinated. At present anyone over 34 years old can book via nhs.uk/who-can-get-the-vaccine.