COVID-19 testing available this December!

People who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are reminded that they can also get tested at the temporary pop-up testing centre in Old Deer Park, on selected dates this December, including Christmas Day.

In addition to the drive-in testing centre at Twickenham Stadium and walk-in centre in Teddington, the tests are being offered to anyone with coronavirus symptoms. See below for the dates.

Please note the test will not show if you have already been infected with COVID-19, only if you have the infection on the day of the test.

You must not turn up without an appointment – those who have not booked will not be tested.

The main symptoms of the disease are:

• A high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
• Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste - this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

More information on being tested and how to book your test.

Please note, if Richmond is not shown as one of the options when you book, please try again later.

Leader of Richmond Council, Cllr Gareth Roberts, said:

"If we are to eradicate COVID-19, it is essential that all those displaying symptoms not only get tested as soon as possible, but self-isolate straight away.

"As we know that as the rules are being somewhat relaxed for Christmas, this is even more important. No one wants to be responsible for spreading this ghastly virus to family members or friends. There is now a huge capacity in Richmond to get tested. So - if you are showing any of the symptoms, please act straight away. And, if you need support whilst self-isolating, there is plenty available."

As part of the Government’s wider strategy to combat COVID-19, Richmond has been selected as one of the local authorities who will trial the rapid turnaround lateral flow tests. These rapid tests provide results in around 30 minutes. 

A full programme is being developed to target our most vulnerable communities. However, initially rapid testing will be focused on critical Council staff who work with vulnerable adults and children, ensuring those most at risk can stay safe. Following this, testing will be rolled out to other targeted groups and residents across the borough.

The pop-up testing centre is available at Old Deer Park throughout December only to those people with an appointment:

• Wednesday 2 December
• Friday 4 December
• Monday 7 December
• Wednesday 9 December
• Friday 11 December
• Monday 14 December
• Thursday 17 December
• Saturday 19 December
• Tuesday 22 December
• Wednesday 23 December
• Friday 25 December
• Monday 28 December
• Wednesday 30 December

Notes for editors

If you are a journalist and would like further information about this press release, contact Elinor Firth on 020 8487 5159.

Reference: P473/20