All Greenwich residents have been invited to get a Covid-19 test over the next few weeks to help keep the borough safe as restrictions ease.

The mass testing programme, which launched on Monday, March 15, will see residents receive a letter from Greenwich Council inviting the entire household to take a rapid coronavirus test at a local testing site.

Everyone living in the Royal borough of Greenwich is invited to take a test between now and April 14.

Around one in three people with Covid-19 present no symptoms so could be unknowingly spreading the disease, so local health experts say the programme will help find these cases and reduce the spread of the viru, and therefore reduce the risk of further lockdown.

Councillor Danny Thorpe, leader of Greenwich Council said he "couldn't urge you and your family enough to take part in the new mass testing programme.

"The more people that get tested, the closer we are to beating the virus and getting back to the things we love doing.

“Look out for the letter over the coming weeks which will tell you when, where and how to get your free test. By getting a test, you are protecting yourself, your loved ones and the whole community of Royal Greenwich.”

Testing will be carried out on a rotation across the borough, with residents living in different wards invited at different times (full details below).

Mass testing uses a rapid test (lateral flow test), which consists of a nose and throat swab. The test is free with results in 30 minutes.

Steve Whiteman, Director of Public Health at the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “In the coming weeks and months, lockdown restrictions are going to be lifted. Though levels of COVID-19 in Royal Greenwich are currently low, there is a risk that – as restrictions ease and social interactions increase – more people are exposed to the virus once again.

“It’s going to be crucial for all of us to build regular testing into our everyday lives – this is why the mass testing programme is so important. I hope everyone gets behind the programme and sees it as the first of many regular tests that help keep us, and Royal Greenwich, safe.”

Residents will be invited to get their Covid-19 tests as follows:

Monday 15 March to Sunday 21 March

  • Coldharbour and New Eltham
  • Eltham North
  • Eltham South

Monday 22 March to Sunday 28 March

  • Abbey Wood
  • Thamesmead Moorings
  • Middle Park and Sutcliffe
  • Eltham West

Monday 29 March to Sunday 4 April

  • Plumstead
  • Glyndon
  • Kidbrooke with Hornfair
  • Blackheath Westcombe
  • Charlton

Monday 5 April to Wednesday 14 April

  • Shooters Hill
  • Woolwich Common
  • Woolwich Riverside
  • Greenwich West
  • Peninsula