Newham residents are being urged to be tested for Covid-19 to help keep their family, friends and loved ones safe this Christmas.
Two new mobile testing sites will open in Newham tomorrow (Saturday 12 December), offering Covid-19 tests to people who are asymptomatic (those not showing symptoms of the virus).
With Christmas fast approaching – and restrictions on meeting with other households due to be relaxed to allow people to form festive “bubbles” between December 23 and 27 – Newham is joining with other boroughs across North East London to offer tests to people who don’t have Covid-19 symptoms.
We are actively encouraging young people and families in Newham to get tested for Covid-19, including those who asymptomatic. If you are aged 15 or younger, you should get conset to be tested from your parent or guardian, and make sure you are accompanied by a parent or guardian when attending one of our testing sites.
Getting a test now will pave the way for a safer Christmas by giving those who test positive the opportunity to self-isolate rather than unwittingly pass the illness to more vulnerable family and loved ones at Christmas.
If you do test positive for Covid-19, you can keep loved ones safe by self-isolating for 10 days. In some cases, this may mean you can leave isolation in time to join Christmas gatherings. If you test positive after December 14, it will mean you can avoid the risk of infecting others around the Christmas table by staying away from festive gatherings.
We understand that many people will be looking forward to seeing loved ones after so many months apart – but Covid-19 doesn’t take a holiday, and the risk of contracting the virus remains very high.
The new mobile testing units will enable anyone who is asymptomatic to get a test before joining their Christmas bubble.
However, it is important to remember that a test result only applies for the time that you were tested. Even if you test negative, it is essential that you continue to follow the guidance to keep family and friends safe: keep your distance from those you don’t live with; wear a face covering; wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, and keep indoor spaces well ventilated.
Appointments can be booked by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test. If you are asymptomatic, when booking, please make sure you choose ‘Your local council has asked you to get a test’ from the options available.
To get a test you can visit the mobile testing sites, a drive-through or walk-through site, or via a home testing kit.
The nearest drive-through test sites are at Lea Valley Athletics Track, Edmonton, and O2 Arena, Greenwich. Newham’s three walk-through test sites are at: Hilda Road, East Ham; Kingsford Way, Beckton; and Paul Street, Stratford and two additional temporary test sites have been established at Newham Leisure Centre and East Ham Town Hall car park.
Please note: the temporary site at Newham Leisure Centre will not be operating on Tuesday, December 15. The test booking website will include full details of all available testing options.