Rapid testing kits that take less than 30 minutes can be picked up at local libraries, as well as pharmacies.

A number of libraries have joined the fight against COVID-19 by offering rapid testing kits for residents to pick up and take at home from Monday, 26 July.

One in three people with COVID-19 do not display any symptoms and this can mean that the virus is spread to other people, including people you live with.

Residents are encouraged to pick up rapid tests and do them twice a week to make sure that they are not carrying COVID-19 without displaying symptoms.

The local libraries are:

• Southall Library – The Dominion Centre, 112 The Green, Southall UB2 4BQ
• Acton Everyday Leisure Centre – High St, London W3 6NE
• Northolt Leisure Centre – Eastcote Ln N, Northolt UB5 4AB
• Jubilee Gardens Library – The Lodge, 2 Jubilee Gardens, Southall UB1 2TJ
• Ealing Central Library – Ealing Broadway Centre, The Broadway, Ealing W5 5JY
• Greenford Library – 25 Oldfield Lane South, Greenford, UB6 9LG
• Northolt Library – 388 – 404 Church Road, Northolt, UB5 5AS
• Hanwell Library – Cherrington Rd, London W7 3HL
• Northfields Library – 255A Northfield Ave, London W5 4UA
• West Ealing Library – Melbourne Ave, London W13 9BT

Councillor Josh Blacker, cabinet member for healthy lives said: “Testing is the best way of knowing if you are potentially spreading COVID-19 despite feeling well. Restrictions have been eased while this virus is spreading rapidly, and not everyone has been able to be vaccinated yet, so getting tested regularly makes sure you’re keeping others safe.

“Pick up your test today and keep Ealing safe.” 

More information on getting tested can be found on the Ealing Council website.

A full map of local testing sites and vaccination centres is available on the Ealing Council website.

Collect from a pharmacy

Residents do not need to book and can walk-up and collect their test kits:

• Ariana pharmacy, 472 Greenford Road, Greenford UB6 8SQ
• Banks Chemist, 59 Old Oak Common Lane, East Acton, W3 7DD
• Bright Health, 1318 Greenford Road, Greenford UB6 0HL
• Jade Pharmacy, 3 crossland parade, crossland ave, Southall UB2 5RB
• Marcus Jone, 96 Old Oak Common Lane, Acton W3 7DA
• Northfields Pharmacy, 30 Northfield Avenue, Ealing, W13 9RL
• Puri Pharmacy, 39 Western Road, Southall, UB2 5HE
• South Ealing Pharmacy, 186 South Ealing Road, Ealing, W5 4RJ
• Wellcare Pharmacy, 155 High Street, Acton, W3 6LP
• Gills Pharmacy, 31 – 33 King Street, Southall, UB2 4DG
• Mattock Lane, 8 St Johns Parade Mattock Lane, W13 9LL
• Walkers Pharmacy, 6 the broadway, Gunnersbury Lane, W3 8HR
• Chana Chemist, 52 South Road, Southall, UB1 1RQ
• Sherrys Chemist, 48 South Road, Southall, UB1 1RR
• Chana Chemist, 33 High Street, Southall, UB1 3HA
• Queens Pharmacy, 61 The Broadway, Southall, UB1 1JY
• Lewis Pharmacy, 36 Haven Green, Ealing, W5 2NX

Residents can also get a rapid test through the following options:

• Order at-home test kits from the government website
• Collect at-home test kits from a number of local pharmacies.

If you have symptoms

If you have symptoms (a high temperature; a new continuous cough; a loss of smell or taste) you should self-isolate immediately with your family and get a COVID-19 test.

More information on getting tested is available on the Ealing Council website.

Get vaccinated

Getting vaccinated is easier than ever – anyone of the age of 18 can walk up to a number of local pharmacies, pop-up vaccination sites and mass vaccination sites across the borough.

• No ID
• No NHS number
• No problem!

Residents can just walk up and claim their jab.

Follow public health guidance

The best way of staying safe against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and to continue to get tested regularly, so you know if you are carrying the virus or not. And, of course, continuing to follow public health guidance, in particular:

• Hands – wash your hands regularly
• Face – wear a face covering when around other people
• Space – keep your distance between yourself and others
• Fresh air – Ideally meet outside, but if you are indoors make sure to open windows for maximum ventilation.