Test centre set for Pollards Hill amid South African variant

The news comes after authorities confirmed that someone in the Pollards Hill area had tested postive with the variant in January.

MORE: South African variant confirmed in Pollards Hill

The new mobile testing unit will open in the car park at Pollards Hill Library, South Lodge Avenue from Wednesday, February 3.

Merton Council has today reported that the infected person has recovered with "all contact tracing completed at the time."

The council said there is "no immediate cause for concern" but are urging people to still get tested in the Pollards Hill area. 

MORE: 'Surge testing' to begin in Surrey & London

Councillor Allison said: “Merton is a great place and a great community, and because we are complying with the rules infection rates are falling.

“I want to reassure residents that this is part of a national programme to stop any potential spread of the new variant – it was a single case, in early January.

“But as it can’t be tracked to any travel from South Africa, we want to take every possible precaution – and that means testing as many Pollards Hill residents as possible.

“The more people we can test, the safer we can keep the community.

"So if you are approached by one of our staff, please let them help you stay safe, and take a test.”

Due to the recent developments of the South African variant of COVID-19 highlighted in the CR4 postcode area we are urging all residents to take extra precautions and stay at home to stay safe

— Pollards Hill Police (@MPSPollardsHill) February 2, 2021

Alternatively, the councils team will be in the area knocking on doors from Thursday, offering to provide home-testing kits and advice on how to administer a home-test. 

Home testing kits can also be picked up and dropped off at a designated community site in Pollards Hill. 

Testing at the new site will be available between the hours of 8am to 3pm every day.

Booking will be available via the councils website here.