Lewisham Council is opening a second rapid testing site for critical workers with no Covid-19 symptoms. 

From Monday (January 25), community centre the Green Man in Downham will be offering rapid, lateral flow tests and will be open to Lewisham residents working in a critical role who are unable to work from home. 

The Civic Suite in Catford opened as a testing site earlier this month.  

Residents can also book a test if they live in the same household or are in a support bubble with a critical worker. 

The site is also testing children of critical workers, vulnerable children, and young people and children attending alternative provisions and special schools. 

Rapid tests are only open to children over the age of 11. 

Testing is also available to the borough’s community champions, those caring for friends and family, and voluntary networks. 

Tests are processed on site so results are returned quickly, usually within an hour. 

To get a rapid test, book via lewisham.gov.uk/rapidtest

Appointments are available every day from 10am to 4pm at both sites and resident must have one to get tested. 

The council is hoping to be able to offer walk-in slots, but availability will depend on the demand from online booking.

One in three people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and can spread it without realising. 

Dr Catherine Mbema, director of Public Health for Lewisham said: “Since we introduced rapid testing in Lewisham, we’ve offered thousands of tests to people who must leave their home during national lockdown, volunteers and those who are caring for people in their homes. 

“For anyone who has to leave their home for work, this has proved really valuable in helping to quickly identify positive cases and stop the spread of the virus.”