!!URGENT!! Covid-19: All Lambeth residents should now get tested

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.