Mobile Testing Units being prepared at Kew park and ride

Mobile Testing Units are being set up on Kew park and ride, ahead of testing thousands of Norwood ward residents in the next few days.

Surge testing will be introduced in Norwood ward after cases of the South African strain of coronavirus were discovered in the area.

Any Norwood resident over the age of 16 will be offered a test, either at a Mobile Testing Unit or a testing kit posted to their homes. Around 10,000 tests are available initially.

Labour councillors will be in the area dispatching tests door to door through Wednesday.

Anyone living in Norwood ward is encouraged to seek a test as soon as possible.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “It is vital that we do all we can to stop transmission of this variant and I strongly urge everyone in these areas to get tested, whether you have symptoms or not.

“The best way to stop the spread of the virus – including new variants – is to stay at home and follow the restrictions in place. Until more people are vaccinated this is the only way we will control the spread of the virus.”