Southall residents are encouraged to get tested regularly for COVID-19 to make sure they keep themselves and their loved ones safe, as well as help to drive down coronavirus rates.

It is important to get tested, even if you have no symptoms, to help to prevent transmission onto others, including those who may be more vulnerable.

Testing has been increased in the borough, with anyone over the age of 16 being encouraged to get a test twice a week.

You can do a rapid test at home or at a rapid test site. Having a test on site, first, will help show how the test is done to improve the test accuracy when you start doing tests at home.

Getting tested if you DON’T have symptoms

Residents can get a free rapid test to take at home from one of the following sites:

• Southall Manor House, The Green, UB2 4BJ
• Greenford Library, 23 Oldfield Lane South, UB6 9LG
• Everyone Active Acton, High Street, W3 6NE
• Ealing Central Library, The Broadway, W5 5JY
• Northolt Library, Church Road, UB5 5AS
• Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, W5 2HL

You can also book an on-site test at one of the sites, or, if you are already out, walk up and get a test there and then.

A number of local pharmacies have also started to offer tests that you can take at home. To find out your nearest pharmacy or testing centre, go to the Test and Trace website.

People who have had the vaccine should still take a test. People who are clinically extremely vulnerable are advised to order a home test kit by calling 119.

Isolate and get a test if you DO have symptoms

Anyone experiencing coronavirus symptoms (fever, cough, loss/change in taste or smell), however mild, should isolate immediately and book a test for symptomatic testing by calling 119. Residents must book an appointment to get one of these tests.

The following sites will be running symptomatic tests from 8am – 1.30pm:

• Featherstone Terrace Car Park, UB2 4AX
• Gurnell Leisure Centre, W13 0AL

Residents who have COVID-19 symptoms should be isolating at home. The only reason to leave the house will be to attend the testing site – they must walk, drive, or cycle to the site, wearing a face covering and must not use public transport or a taxi. They must also practise other public health measures, such as hand hygiene and social distancing.

Testing and tracing are central to the government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. To stop the spread of the virus, everyone will need to play their part by isolating if symptomatic, booking a test as soon as possible, and if asked to do so, identifying their close contacts.

Support is available

The council and local partners continue to provide essential support, including food where required, to vulnerable residents through its Ealing Together partnership. People wishing to contact Ealing Together should call 020 8825 7170.

People on low incomes may be eligible to claim a self-isolation payment of £500 following a positive test. You can find more about who is eligible and how to apply on the council’s website.