Published: Monday 10 May 2021
Monitoring of Covid-19 positive tests has identified a small number of cases of the variant first discovered in South Africa in the W11 area of Colville ward and part of Pembridge ward.
The people who tested positive are now self-isolating and robust contact tracing has taken place to trace their contacts and ask them to self-isolate.
Every person over the age of 16 who is living or working in, or visiting this area is encouraged to take an asymptomatic PCR Covid-19 test this week, even if they are not showing symptoms and regardless of whether they have been vaccinated. Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) will be in the W11 area offering PCR testing, as will the testing site at 2-4 Malton Road. Test kits to use at home will also be available from Kensington Leisure Centre, Silchester Road.
Enhanced testing in this area will enable us to identify if there are any more cases of the variant and give us a better understanding about if and how it is spreading.
Used in combination with measures such as hands-face-space-fresh air and following national guidance, everyone will be able to play a part in suppressing and controlling the spread of the virus.
How to get a test
If you live or work in, or visit the W11 area of Colville ward and part of Pembridge ward, you should get a test. A list of postcodes and more information can be found on the Council website.
To get a test you can go to one of the mobile testing units based at:
- Tavistock Square, junction of Portobello Road (8.30am to 4.30pm)
- All Saints Church, between Powis Square and Clydesdale Road (8.30am to 4.30pm)
You can also go to our PCR testing site at 2-4 Malton Road between 8am and 8pm.
Alternatively you can collect a PCR test kit to use at home from Kensington Leisure Centre (8am to 4.30pm, Monday and Wednesday; or 10am to 4pm the rest of the week).
Anna Raleigh, Director of Public Health for Kensington and Chelsea, said:
“The UK has one of the best testing systems in the world which has allowed us to detect the South African variant of Coronavirus here in the borough. I urge everyone offered a test to take it to help us monitor the virus in our community and to help suppress and control the spread of this variant.
“The most important thing is that people continue to follow the hands, face, space and fresh air guidance. If you test positive, you must isolate for 10 days to stop the spread of the virus.”
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for NHS Test and Trace said:
“As part of our proactive sequencing work, we have identified cases of COVID-19 variants in a number of areas across England. A small proportion of these cases have no link to international travel suggesting that there are some cases in the community.
“Public Health England is monitoring the situation closely and appropriate public health measures such as increased testing and contact tracing are being put in place where necessary.”