Richmond is to increase Covid-19 testing in a bid to identify more cases, reduce the spread of infection and protect lives and livelihoods.

Our borough is one of 67 local authorities to sign up for the rollout of the rapid turnaround lateral flow tests – which can give results in under an hour, without the need for laboratory processing.

Councils are due to receive up to 10,000 tests per week (up to 10% of their population) to allow them to test those who are asymptomatic (ie a person who is infected but does not display symptoms).

Richmond Council said the tests will be used to target vulnerable communities and that it is in discussion with the Department of Health to understand how these tests will be rolled out.

When the council has clarity on the programme, it will work with local groups to ensure that the tests reach the right groups of residents, in the right way.

Read more: Richmond picked to take part in new mass coronavirus testing scheme

Richmond Council leader Cllr Gareth Roberts said: "We now have three sites in Richmond upon Thames where local people, who are displaying symptoms, can easily access Covid-19 tests.

"We asked the Department of Health to include Richmond in this roll-out of rapid testing kits for asymptomatic residents, as we believe that these kits will help us protect our most vulnerable communities, and the people who work with them, by identifying cases quickly and allowing us to reduce the risk of transmission.

"We will now work with health officials, our partners and local organisations to confirm how the testing will be rolled out and we will provide a further update."

What to do if you are displaying symptoms?

Anyone with one of the main coronavirus symptoms of a high temperature, new cough or loss of taste or smell must self-isolate immediately and book a test.

The lateral flow tests will introduce additional testing for residents without symptoms, to identify people silently carrying the virus and stop them spreading it to the Richmond population.

When the lateral flow tests arrive, testing for people who are experiencing symptoms of covid will continue to be provided in the usual way.

Where to get a test?

There is a testing centre at Twickenham Stadium, regular testing available at Old Deer Park in Richmond and a new walk-in testing site at the St Mary's University Broom Road sports campus in Teddington.

When you book a test you will be given the option of a test centre based on nearest location to you and availability.

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