More than 10,000 Bromley residents without symptoms have been tested for coronavirus in the last month, with around 1 per cent testing positive – 108 people.

Just over four weeks ago, the council launched its Lateral Flow Rapid Testing programme, aimed at the third of people who unwittingly spread the virus despite feeling well.

The two test centres, at the Civic Centre and the Kentwood Centre in Penge, offer results within 30 minutes sent to a smart phone or by email.

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Cllr Diane Smith, Executive Member for Adult Care and Health said: “The successful introduction of our two Rapid Testing Centres in the Borough has been a remarkable achievement and has ensured a great start to this very important programme.

“The rollout of the initiative has seen Bromley Council staff volunteering to deliver the scheme which importantly allows residents who test positive, despite having no symptoms, to play their part and stay home to stop the spread.

“I encourage residents who come into contact with others through their work, for instance, to book in for this very simple testing regime to gain the peace of mind of knowing they are not passing on the virus to their colleagues, friends and families.”

The 1.1 per cent positivity rate is in line with the average across London.

In Bromley, the infection rate is currently 259.7, down from 411.3 in mid January, the lowest in south east London. 

Residents testing positive through a rapid test will no longer need to confirm this with an NHS PCR test and will have access to payments through Test and Trace if eligible for their period of self-isolation.

Futher support is availbale those who must self-isolate, including regular shopping slots, a volunteer, or a regular phone call for anyone who is lonely.

More capacity during the week has been made available. You can book a test here