Everyone over the age of 11 who lives or works in Lambeth
is being asked to take a PCR Covid-19 test after new cases of the variant
first identified in South Africa were found in the borough.
The additional testing being introduced will help quickly
identify any further cases and help limit any potential spread. Eight
additional testing sites have opened across Lambeth from Monday and people are
encouraged to get a test as soon as possible, even if they have no symptoms.
It is important people take a PCR test as these can
identify specific variants. Rapid lateral flow device (LFD) tests are also
widely available but can only determine positivity for Covid-19, not specific
variants.
Tests are available across the borough, with details of
your nearest test centre on the lambeth.gov.uk/enhancedtesting
or by calling 119. There are also walk in appointments in Lambeth and home tests available.
You can book online on someone else’s behalf if they can’t
do so themselves. People who are unable to book online, and don’t know someone
who can book for them, can call 020 7926 5559 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm for help.
For people who do test positive, Lambeth has a
comprehensive 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.
If you do have Covid-19 symptoms get tested at one of
several symptomatic local test sites. You must book an appointment at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119.
Residents are also being asked to get vaccinated if invited
by the NHS for a jab. All residents must continue following national Covid-19
restrictions, which are currently at Step 2 on the roadmap out of lockdown.
All viruses mutate over time and new variants emerge
regularly. Lambeth is one of several boroughs in which small numbers of the
variant have been found since the start of this year. All previously
identified cases are now self-isolating and robust contact tracing has taken
place to trace their contacts and ask them to self-isolate.
There is currently no evidence to suggest this variant is
more serious than others, or that the regulated vaccines would not protect
against it. Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate immediately and
pass on details of their contacts to NHS Test and Trace when
contacted. Positive tests will then be examined in
a laboratory to determine whether any of them are the variant first
identified in South Africa.
The Director of Public Health for Lambeth, Ruth Hutt, said:
“It is vital that all Lambeth residents take an asymptomatic PCR test so that
we can identify all cases in order to stop the spread of this variant of
concern.
“Alongside taking a PCR test we are asking everyone who
lives and work in the borough to continue following the guidance in place to
stop the spread of Covid-19. That includes limiting your contacts with other
people, washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, keeping your distance and
covering your face.
“If you test positive for Covid-19 via a PCR test or rapid lateral flow test it
is crucial that you self-isolate so you don’t pass on the virus.”
Anyone who is over-18 and has no symptoms of Covid-19 can
also collect up to seven free rapid response lateral flow devices (LFDs) per
household when they take their test. These tests do not help track the variant
first identified in South Africa, but are still useful in monitoring
the spread of the virus, and stopping further infections.
Lambeth has previously run enhanced testing in two areas in
the borough after single cases of the variant first identified in South Africa
were discovered. These pieces of work have been completed, and are
not related to the new call for everyone in Lambeth to be tested.
How to get a test
If you do not have Covid-19 symptoms
You can get tested at a local testing site that is
convenient for you, and you do not need to book.
There are two ways to get tested. You can either:
·
take the test at the site, with help from staff
if you need it
·
pick up home PCR tests for you and
any people you live with and bring them back once complete. You don’t
need to bring tests back to the same site you picked them up from.
Sites where you can get tested, pick up home tests
and return completed home tests
|
Location
|
Address
|
Opening times
|
|
Brixton
|
Lambeth Town Hall, 1 Brixton Hill, SW2 1RW
|
8am to 4.30pm every day
|
|
|
Brockwell Park
|
near Brockwell Park Café (use gate entrance on Brockwell
Park Gardens), SE24 9BJ
|
9am to 4.30pm every day
|
|
|
Streatham
|
Tate Streatham Library, 63 Streatham High Road, SW16 1PN
|
8am to 4.30pm every day
|
|
|
Waterloo
|
St John’s Church, 73 Waterloo Road, SE1 8TY
|
8am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday
|
|
Sites where you can get tested or return completed
home tests. You cannot pick up home PCR tests
|
Location
|
Address
|
Opening times
|
|
Brockwell Park
|
mobile testing unit near Brockwell Park Café, SE24 9BJ
|
9am to 3pm every day
|
|
Clapham Common
|
Windmill Drive, near playground, SW4 9DE
|
9am to 3pm every day
|
|
West Norwood
|
Waylett Place car park, 4 Waylett Place, SE27 9AE
|
Open from 12 to 3pm on 13 April and then 9am to 3pm from
14 April onwards
|
If you have Covid-19 symptoms
The main symptoms of Covid-19 are a high temperature, a
new continuous cough, or a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or
taste.
If you have any of these symptoms, you need to stay at home
and book a free NHS test. You can get a test delivered to you if you
cannot get to a testing site.
