A new coronavirus testing facility opened in Battersea last week to test people showing symptoms of Covid-19.

The new testing facility opened on Friday (January 8) at the Ethelburga Community Centre off Worfield Street.

Testing at the site is only being made available to those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to smell or taste.

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

The new site is situated so it is easily accessible without a car. 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.

Your Local Guardian: The testing site at Ethelburga Community CentreThe testing site at Ethelburga Community 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.

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.

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 10 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.