The first asymptomatic Covid-19 testing site has been set up in Bexley, the first of several opening up tomorrow (January 5) to combat the borough's virus crisis.

The mobile unit, to open on the Broadway, is the first in the borough to test anyone who does not actually have symptoms of Covid-19, but is at an increased risk of the virus.

Bexley Council leader Teresa O'Neill OBE warned that one in three people could currently have Covid-19 and not even know it.

"We could be going about our everyday lives and inadvertently infect a loved one, or a friend," she said.

"This new site can help us to stop the spread by making it easier for those who may be at risk to get a test.”

Cllr O'Neill called it a "great start to 2021," and "just the beginning" of a mass testing programme for Bexley.

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Bexley's Covid-19 rate has been the highest in all south London since November, and last week reached record highs, even peaking above 1,000 cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days.

One of London's worst Covid hotspots, the borough has been told to close all primary and secondary schools.

The new site is part of the Government's national testing programme, and offers walk-in tests that do not need to be booked.

It is open to anyone at an increased risk to Covid-19, including people who have a household contact with symptoms or a household contact who has tested positive, or people who work in a public facing capacity in the public, private or voluntary sector.

The testing site is mobile and will open outside the Specsavers shop in the Broadway in Bexleyheath.

It will operate from Tuesday, January 5, to Monday, January 11, from 10am to 3pm.

The tests are quick to take and the results will be text or emailed within 24-72 hours. If you are tested positive you will need to isolate immediately for 10 days.

Other asymptomatic testing sites are expected to follow later in January, whilst normal, symptomatic testing is also currently running at various sites in Bexley and south east London.

These include sites on Erith Road, Bexleyheath, Felixstowe Road in Abbey Wood and at Manor House in Sidcup.

The Sidcup site will change from opening three days a week to opening every day in between 5 and 11 January. All three sites are by appointment only, bookable online or by calling 119.