Coronavirus testing centres open for asymptomatic people in Lambeth
By Grainne Cuffe, Local Democracy Reporter
A new Covid-19 testing site for asymptomatic residents opened at Brixton Windmill yesterday, while one in Brockwell Park will launch today.
The Windmill testing site is now open Monday to Saturday.
It follows the opening of the first community Covid-19 testing site in Brixton Town Hall on Monday.
The free rapid tests on offer are for people in the borough who 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.
The facilities are not available to people who have Covid-19 symptoms, are under-18, or do not live or work in Lambeth.
To book a 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.
Pictured top: The Windmill testing site
That’s a picture of the Windmill pub. The testing site is the Brixton Windmill Centre, the community hall next to the actual windmill, not the pub. Please update your picture!