A new walk-through COVID-19 test centre opened in Lewisham last weekend.
The site is only available for people with COVID-19’s classic symptoms: a high temperature, new and continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.
Based at Goldsmiths Community Centre (SE6 1RN), the site is for people with appointments only. It opened on Saturday, March 20, and has open slots seven days a week.
The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history which has the capacity to process more than 750,000 tests a day and includes more than 1000 sites across the UK, including 90 drive-through sites, 518 walk-through sites, six Lighthouse laboratories, home testing and satellite kits, and a large number of mobile units.
Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts. This will help to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.
Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for ten days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.
Health Minister, Lord Bethell, said: “To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch. We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.
“New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”
To book a test, visit nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.