The first of three new COVID-19 test centres for Barking and Dagenham opened its doors to the borough’s residents.
This follows a successful bid for three walk-in centres within the borough, a COVID-19 test centre has opened today (Thursday 3 September) at Mayesbrook Park car park on Lodge Avenue.
The new test centre will make it easier for residents with symptoms of COVID-19 to get tested for coronavirus, near to their home, and is one of three coming to the borough.
The test centre is located at Mayesbrook Park Car Park, Lodge Avenue, Dagenham RM8 2JR. It will be open to residents today from 2 to 5pm and tomorrow (Friday 4 September) between 10am to 5pm, and then from Saturday 5 September onwards it will be open 8am to 8pm every day, seven days a week.
Residents who have symptoms should book a test appointment by calling 119 or visiting the NHS coronavirus website.
They can also walk in for a test without an appointment, but there is no guarantee they’ll be seen if the site is busy that day, so booking is best. Residents who walk in without an appointment will also need to bring a smart phone with them so they can register when they arrive.
Testing is one of the most important ways that we can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and that’s why we put in a bid for three COVID-19 testing sites within the borough, to make it easier for our residents to get tested for coronavirus, near to their homes.
Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health Integration, said, “Testing is one of the most important ways that we can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and that’s why we put in a bid for three COVID-19 testing sites within the borough, to make it easier for our residents to get tested for coronavirus, near to their homes.
“I’m really pleased that our first test centre has opened today, with two more to follow soon. I urge anyone with symptoms (a high temperature, a new cough or a loss of/change in sense of taste or smell) to book a free test today, to quickly to find out whether they have the virus and need to stay at home, or if they can safely return to work and get back to the things they love.
“COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, and across London, we’re actually seeing an increase in the number of cases among young people in their twenties, who can pass it onto others. So please, do the right thing and continue to socially-distance, wear a face covering when you’re out and keep washing your hands regularly.”
The Mayesbrook Park car park site is one of three coming to the borough to make testing easier for residents and more information about the other two sites will be coming soon.
Residents can get more information about the testing sites.