Hackney,
17
May
2021
|
18:27
Europe/London

Targeted Covid-19 variant testing: Return your PCR home test kits

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Residents and workers in areas of Dalston and Shoreditch where two Covid-19 variants of concern have been found are being urged to take and return their PCR tests. 

More than 8,000 tests have been ordered or collected by people living and working in the areas, which are currently subject to targeted testing by Hackney Council as it tries to track and stop transmission of the variants in the community. 

However, to date, only around 20% of these tests have been returned to collection sites in the borough. 

 

Have you got a test?

  • Register your test kit - guidance here 
  • Take your test - as soon as possible
  • Return it to one of the locations, below, within 24 hours of taking it. 

Dalston:

  • Bentley Road Car Park, N1 4BZ (Open every day, 8am-8pm)
  • Outside Dalston CLR James Library, Dalston Square, E8 3BQ (Open every day, 9am-6pm)

Shoreditch:

  • Geffrye Estate Community Centre, Falkirk Street, Hoxton, N1 6SD (Open every day, 9am-6pm)
  • St John the Baptist Church, Pitfield Street, N1 6NP (Open every day, 9am-3pm)
  • Next to Shoreditch Fire Station, 235 Old Street, EC1V 9EY (Open every day, 9am-6pm)
Dr Sandra Husbands, Director of Public Health for Hackney
Thank you to everyone from our affected communities who responded to our initial plea to get a PCR test, with thousands and thousands of you coming forward to collect or order your tests. 

Now we’re urging you to make sure you take your tests as soon as possible and return them over the next 24 hours to one of our five collection drop-off sites.

This means we can get these tests sent to labs where they can be screened for the variants; directly helping to monitor and stop the spread of the variants in our communities.
Dr Sandra Husbands, Director of Public Health for Hackney
Variant target testing areas

The so-called South African and Indian variants have been found in areas around Old Street and Great Eastern Street, in Shoreditch; and parts of Dalston town centre, around Dalston Lane and Kingsland High Street.

Last week, the Council began targeted testing of everyone over the age of 16 who lives and works in these areas, urging them to take a PCR lab-processed test. If this applies to you, and you haven't yet taken or ordered a test, do so today.

You can take or pick up tests at the above locations, or you can order one to your home or work:

Remember to drop off your completed test at any of the above locations, within 24 hours, if possible.

Business owners in the areas can pick up tests for their staff at the above locations. Or, alternatively, arrange for test kit delivery via this form.

If you test positive, have any symptoms, or are contact-traced following contact with someone who has tested positive, you must self-isolate immediately for 10 days. 

There is support available for you, if you have difficulty self-isolating, including financial support in some circumstances. Go online; or call the Council on: 020 8356 3111, Monday and Friday, 9am-5pm.

More information here.