A new walk-through coronavirus testing centre has opened at the foot of Greenwich Park.

This comes as part of nation-wide Government efforts to tackle testing shortages, and as Covid-19 cases in Greenwich and neighbouring boroughs rise sharply.

The new testing facility is located at the De Vere Devonport House car park in Greenwich, and is accessible on foot.

Testing at the site actually started last week on November 11, and appointments are being made available each day, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

News Shopper:

Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch. We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

“New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”

Testing is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119

Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them trace their contacts. This will help to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

News Shopper:

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

A new testing facility also opened up this week in Abbey Wood, as announced by Bexley Council.

This new Felixstowe Car Par site is also a walk-through centre, and will aim to tackle the rising number of cases in Greenwich and Bexley.