As part of a new mass testing programme launching today (Monday 15 March), residents will receive a letter from the Royal Borough of Greenwich inviting the entire household to take a rapid test between now and 14 April, at a testing site local to them.

Around one in three people with COVID-19 have no symptoms so could be spreading the disease without knowing it. By testing as many people as possible, more cases can be found, and the spread of the virus reduced.

Councillor Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “I can’t urge you and your family enough to take part in the new mass testing programme. The more people that get tested, the closer we are to beating the virus and getting back to the things we love doing.

“Look out for the letter over the coming weeks which will tell you when, where and how to get your free test. By getting a test, you are protecting yourself, your loved ones and the whole community of Royal Greenwich.”

Steve Whiteman, Director of Public Health at the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “In the coming weeks and months, lockdown restrictions are going to be lifted. Though levels of COVID-19 in Royal Greenwich are currently low, there is a risk that – as restrictions ease and social interactions increase – more people are exposed to the virus once again.

“It’s going to be crucial for all of us to build regular testing into our everyday lives – this is why the mass testing programme is so important. I hope everyone gets behind the programme and sees it as the first of many regular tests that help keep us, and Royal Greenwich, safe.”

Residents will be invited to get their COVID-19 rapid test as follows:

Mass testing uses a rapid test (lateral flow test), which consists of a nose and throat swab. The test is free with results in 30 minutes.

For more information about when, where and how to get tested visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/masstesting

Steve Whiteman, Director of Public Health at the testing site