Pop-up testing centre for Covid-19 in Richmond this month

By The Editor 3rd Aug 2020

A pop-up testing centre for Covid-19 will be run in Old Deer Park this August.

Anyone who thinks they may have contracted coronavirus can get tested every third day starting tomorrow (Tuesday, August 4).

In addition to the drive-in testing centre at Twickenham Stadium, the tests are being offered to anyone who thinks they may have symptoms - not just key workers.

The test will not show if you have already had Covid-19, only if you are currently carrying the infection.

It is by appointment only and they can be booked on the government's website here.

Richmond Council said people should try again later if Richmond is not shown as one of the options when you go to book a test.

The main symptoms of the disease are:

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.

Council leader Cllr Gareth Roberts, said: "A key element of the strategy to eradicate this virus is to conduct as many tests as possible, especially for essential workers and those most at risk.

"If you are elderly, a key worker or covered by any of the categories listed above, and either you or a close member of your family has developed symptoms of coronavirus, then please come and get tested."

Those tested will receive their results 48 hours later.

You can also apply for a home test kit.

They are delivered to your home and then collected by courier once completed.

The pop-up testing centre is being held on the following days this month.