Covid-19: Borough wide PCR testing underway

14 April 2021

Written by: Lambeth Council

News and announcements

The two-week enhanced testing programme in Lambeth and Wandsworth is now underway. 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.

After a good local response on the first day of testing, extra capacity has been put in place to meet demand. There are sites across the borough where you can get tested, pick up home PCR tests and return completed home PCR tests. Visit lambeth.gov.uk/enhancedtesting for more information.

Main post content

Online PCR test kit ordering for those who are unable to access a testing site are also available via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. Lambeth residents should select the option “my local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms” when asked why they are requesting a test.

Anyone Completed test kits should be returned to the borough’s testing sites detailed at lambeth.gov.uk/enhancedtesting, so they can be processed as part of the testing operation.

Ruth Hutt, Lambeth’s Director of Public Health, said: “The enhanced testing in Lambeth, Wandsworth and now parts of Southwark was rapidly put in place in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England.

“This will run for a fortnight and will be supported by testing kits being sent to employers in the borough and out via schools once they return from the Easter holidays. By making sure everyone has access to a test we can make sure there’s no further spread of the variant first identified in South Africa.

“The response of our residents and businesses has been really positive and we thank people for turning out for this important enhanced testing programme.

“On the second day of testing we have increased the capacity, adding two more mobile testing units, meaning asymptomatic residents can get a walk-up PCR test at eight locations across the borough.

“There are also three further sites in Lambeth where you can book at test. All the details are on our website.

“We are asking people to continue following the current national Covid-19 restrictions, wear a mask as appropriate, maintain social distance and wash their hands frequently.”

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.