Coronavirus testing centre for people without symptoms opens in Brixton

By Grainne Cuffe, Local Democracy Reporter

A new Covid-19 testing site for people without symptoms opened at Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton today.

The free rapid tests are for people in the borough that may have Covid-19 but are not experiencing symptoms.

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.

Another two community testing sites are set to open in Brockwell Park and at Brixton Windmill in Blenheim Gardens.

A spokeswoman for Lambeth council said the sites were “coming soon”.

Facilities have already been set up at the site in Brockwell Park, while further sites in the north and south of the borough are being identified.

The rapid tests on offer in the borough 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.

Councillor Jim Dickson, Lambeth’s joint cabinet member for health and social Care, said: “These rapid tests are an important part of reducing the spread of Covid-19 in Lambeth as it will help to identify people who do not have Covid-19 symptoms but who are infectious and could spread the infection to others unknowingly.

“By getting tested and self-isolating if you have Covid-19, you can save lives and protect the NHS.”

People with Covid-19 symptoms – a fever, a new continuous cough, and loss or change to sense of smell or test – must book through the national testing service here or by calling 119.

NHS sites in Lambeth for those with symptoms include Angela Davis Industrial Estate in Somerleyton Road, Wheatsheaf Community Hall in Vauxhall, and Streatham Common car park.

Pictured top: A coronavirus testing centre for people without symptoms has been set-up at Lambeth town hall