A local walk-through coronavirus testing facility is to open at Featherstone Terrace Car Park in Southall to make it easier for people to get a test for coronavirus. 

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms (fever, cough, loss/change in taste or smell), however mild, can get a free swab test that takes less than a minute. Tests are easier than ever to get, residents can either:

• Book a test at a testing centre accessible by car
• Order a test to take at home, or now 
• Book a test at the new walk-in Featherstone Terrace testing centre, seven days a week, from 8am – 8pm. Please do not arrive without a booking

Residents can also book/order a test at home or an appointment by going to nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 and you can expect your result in 24-48 hours.

Residents who have COVID-19 symptoms should be isolating at home. The only reason to leave the house will be to attend the testing site – they must walk or cycle to the site, wearing a face covering and must not use public transport or taxi. They must also practice other public health measures, such as hand hygiene and social distancing. 
 
Councillor Binda Rai, the council’s cabinet member for public health and adult services, said: “One of the most important ways of protecting against a second wave is to get a test, and this walk in centre has made it easier than ever for residents to do just that.

“So, if you have symptoms and live in the local area, I would encourage you to go ahead and get a test at Featherstone. If you do not have symptoms, please make sure to follow public health guidance, by washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering, and keeping a distance where possible.”

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

Anyone testing positive for the virus must continue to isolate together with their household. They will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, advising 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.

• Everyone with symptoms can book or order a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus. Essential workers and members of their households can access priority testing at GOV.UK  (https://www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers)
• The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat, which can be done by the person themselves (self-administered) or by someone else (assisted). Those being tested may experience some mild discomfort but it should not hurt
• Testing and tracing are central to the government’s coronavirus recovery strategy. To stop the spread of the virus, everyone will need to play their part by isolating if symptomatic, booking a test as soon as possible, and if asked to do so, identifying their close contacts. How it works: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works#people-who-have-had-close-contact-with-someone-who-has-coronavirus