Covid-19 cases in Lambeth rose over the past week, particularly in the Clapham area, and new precautionary measures are in place.
Anyone living, working or studying in the Clapham area is encouraged to have a PCR test.
A testing site in Windmill Drive, Clapham Common, is open from 10.30am until 4pm today (22 May) and from 8.30am until 4pm on Sunday.
Opening hours will be extended in the coming days.
A Lambeth council statement said it also essential that all eligible residents get vaccinated.
Anyone over 34 years old can book via nhs.uk/who-can-get-the-vaccine.
Cases in Clapham are linked to local schools, which are likely to reflect wider community infections.
The Council’s public health team is working with the schools to ensure that all measures to reduce risk and control the virus remain in place.
The council said rapid testing in schools had enabled it to respond quickly to prevent further spread of infection.
It said anyone with a positive rapid LFD test or who feels unwell should get a PCR test immediately.
Cllr Jim Dickson, the council’s joint cabinet member for health and social care, said: “To enable easier access to Covid-19 testing to monitor any spread of the virus, the council has asked for a mobile testing unit to be deployed again to Clapham Common over this coming weekend.
“At this point in time, there is no evidence that any of the new cases are linked to a variant of concern, however, the rapid increase in the number of cases locally suggests that there is a high probability this could be a new variant as seen in other parts of London.
“Once full genetic sequencing information is available on the cases we will have more information.
“As a precaution, the council is putting these extra measures in place.”
Lambeth’s latest Covid-19 rate has increased over the last week to around 30 infections per 100,000 of population which represents a 75 per cent rise on the previous week.
Information on the rates of Covid-19 infection in the borough are available via the council’s website at lambeth.gov.uk/covid-19-stats.
All new cases in Lambeth and London are currently treated as potential variants of concern and the council undertakes enhanced contact tracing in advance of definite information being available through genetic sequencing.
A comprehensive package of self-isolation support is also offered to all those required to self-isolate. Information on Lambeth council’s enhanced offer is available at lambeth.gov.uk/self-isolate-help.
