Lambeth council has extended tests that can identify variants of Covid-19 to another part of the borough.
West Norwwod joins Brixton, Stockwell and Clapham as areas where residents and people who work or travel through are urged to take the tests.
There were 179 new Covid-19 cases recorded in Lambeth between 21 and 30 May and the current positive case rate is 54.8 per 100,000 people. This is comparable to the rate in September 2020 before the second wave of infections.
However, the council said, the number of tests carried out in Lambeth has increased substantially in recent months, with around 400 tests carried out per 100,000 people.
Cllr Jim Dickson, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “We have taken the steps to increase testing in West Norwood as a response to the small, but rising number of cases we are seeing in Lambeth.
“Extra testing has already taken place in Brixton, Stockwell and Clapham in recent weeks, and we are grateful to all our residents for their cooperation.”
In West Norwood a mobile testing unit has been set up in the Waylett Place car park off Norwood Road for residents to take a PCR test or collect or drop off a home test kit.
To take a test in person at Waylett Place, residents will need to book an appointment through the government website. No appointment is needed to pick up a home test.
Residents should get a test and follow the stay at home guidance if they have Covid-19 symptoms.
Cllr Dickson said: “Over the course of the pandemic Lambeth council has developed policies and procedures that means we have the capacity and expertise to deal with the rising infection rate.
“But we would encourage everyone who lives in this area to book a test and follow the government guidance to stay safe.”
Anyone who has previously had a positive COVID-19 PCR test result should not test again within 90 days, unless they develop any new symptoms of COVID-19.
A package of self-isolation support is also offered to all those required to self-isolate. Information on Lambeth council’s extra offer is available at lambeth.gov.uk/self-isolate-help.
