The COVID-19 variant of concern first identified in India, is spreading in the UK, with some areas of the country significantly more affected, including north west London.
Ealing residents are being asked to take part in extra testing to help stop the spread of this more transmissible variant and to avoid the need for further lockdown restrictions.
The plan is borough-wide, but there will be additional activities taking place in Southall initially.
The council has already been working with some local schools in the borough to take part in a programme of enhanced COVID-19 testing. Parents and carers of students at those schools will be contacted directly with details via the school.
Get tested
We are asking all residents to go out and get a test at one of the many testing facilities in the borough.
From Wednesday, 26 May, all testing facilities in Ealing will change to testing facilities for enhanced testing. Residents can walk-up to any site and get a test.
Residents that are displaying symptoms should isolate immediately and get a PCR test at one of the following facilities:
From 8am – 8pm
- Featherstone Terrace car park, Southall
- Gurnell Leisure Centre, Greenford
- Michael Flanders Centre, Acton
The following sites will offer enhanced testing for residents that are not displaying symptoms and those that want a rapid test that gives results within 30 minutes will be able to get one from the centre after they have completed their PCR test.
From 9am – 4pm:
- Everyone Active Acton, High Street, W3 6NE
- Ealing Central Library, The Broadway, W5 5JY
- Greenford Library, 23 Oldfield Lane South, UB6 9LG
- Northolt Library, Church Road, UB5 5AS
- Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, W5 2HL
- Southall Manor House, The Green, UB2 4BJ
The council and Public Health England are working together to organise roving testing sites in certain areas of the borough, which will include a drop-in PCR test site and door knocking. More information on this will be announced later in the week.
To book a PCR test to do at home, visit the NHS website or ring 119.
As many as 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 don’t have any symptoms but can still pass it on. So even though you feel fine, it’s very important that you take part.
Councillor Josh Blacker, portfolio holder for Healthy Lives said: “The latest variant is yet another reminder that COVID-19 is still here and we need to do all we can to stop the spread of the virus. I’m urging all residents to go out and get a test at one of our local sites so that you can make sure you are keeping those you love most safe, but also so the NHS can track the virus and learn more about the variant.
“I would also encourage residents that can get their vaccine to book it now. It’s the best way of protecting yourself against COVID-19 and it also helps to protect those that are most vulnerable.
“Getting your vaccine and getting tested will help us as we edge closer to the end of lockdown.”
Say yes to the vaccine
We’re also encouraging everyone that’s eligible to get their vaccination as soon as possible.
Vaccination is the best defence against COVID-19, so alongside the NHS, we’re working to make it quicker and easier to get fully protected.
If you are 32 years of age or above you can walk-up to CP House to get your first vaccination, but booking an appointment is advised to guarantee the jab. Find out if you are eligible and book now.
There will also be an opportunity to get a vaccine on a vaccination bus with the date and time being announced soon.
Photo by Martin Lopez from Pexels.
