COVID-19 testing

Controlling the spread of coronavirus

Testing is a vital tool for protecting people and our communities.

Find the latest information from Westminster City Council about how you can get a Covid-19 test and what is involved.

Coronavirus testing in Westminster

Testing is the most effective way to control the spread of coronavirus.

Westminster is now offering two types of coronavirus testing:

for people who are not showing any symptoms (symptom-free testing)
for people who have symptoms of the virus (a new persistent cough, high temperature or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste).

In addition to getting tested, the most important thing we can all do to prevent the spread of the virus is to remember the basics:

Wash your hands more often than usual and for at least 20 seconds
Wear your face covering in enclosed spaces
Keep your distance - try to stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with (or anyone not in your support bubble)

If you test positive for coronavirus, you may be eligible for a Test and Trace support payment.

Tests for people without symptoms

You can now get tested for coronavirus even if you don’t have symptoms.

The symptom-free coronavirus testing sites are open seven days a week. You do not need to book in order to get a free test and you do not have to be a Westminster resident.

Symptom-free tests are available at the following locations seven days a week:

Little Venice Sports Centre, 10 Crompton Street, London, W2 1ND, Monday and Thursday from 8am to 4pm. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm
Moberly Sports Centre, 25 Chamberlayne Rd, Ladbroke Grove, Kensal Green, London NW10 3NB, Monday and Thursday from 8am to 4pm. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm
The Church House Conference Centre, Great Smith Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3NZ. Monday and Thursday 8am to 5pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm

Find details of all the symptom free test sites across London.

A test takes less than 5 minutes and uses the Innova SARS-CoV-2-Antigen lateral flow device which means you will receive your results within an hour.

Tests for people with symptoms

Drive Coronavirus mobile testing dates - Hyde Park

A mobile coronavirus testing unit will be available on North Carriage Drive in Hyde Park between 9am and 3pm:

Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 February
Monday 1 to Wednesday 3 March
Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 March
Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 March
Friday 19 March
Tuesday 30 March

Booking may not be available until closer to the dates. If booking is not available, please book a test at one of our semi-permanent, walk-through testing centres.

You can only be tested if you have pre-booked an appointment that can be booked online on the NHS website or by calling NHS 119.

Walk-through testing for people who have symptoms

The semi-permanent, walk-through testing centres are open seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm. They can be used by anyone with symptoms or who has been asked to get a test. A test must be booked in advance at NHS online or by calling 119.

The centres are managed and run by the Department of Health and Social Care and increase the number of tests available to residents in Westminster. Each testing centre is able to undertake at least 200 tests per day.

Centres are in the below community halls. This means that these community halls are closed to the public. Existing bookings and regular users of the community halls are being provided with alternative community spaces so that their activities can continue.

Greenside Community Centre, 24 Lilestone Street, Marylebone, NW8 8SR
Grosvenor Hall, Vincent Street, SW1P 4HB
Lydford Tenants and Residents Hall, 74 Fernheard Road, W9 3EW

Testing for people travelling to or from the UK

You cannot use tests provided by NHS Test and Trace for the Government Test to Release scheme in order to reduce the isolation period when you travel to the UK. You will need to use one of listed private test providers. You can be fined if you use a negative NHS test result to end your self-isolation period early.

If you are in the UK you should not travel abroad. You can only travel abroad if you have a legally permitted reason to leave home. If you need proof of a negative coronavirus test to enter another country, you must use a private test provider. The NHS Test and Trace testing service cannot provide the documents you will need for travel.

Testing sites - frequently asked questions

Why have you launched walk-through testing centres? Who are they targeted for?

We have launched this additional route to allow people without access to cars to book appointments, and to improve accessibility to testing in the heart of communities who need it most.

Why have we chosen these sites?

The Department of Health and Social Care has a very strict criteria for semi-permanent testing sites. The three locations offer the space, accessibility and entry and exit points to allow for the testing of as many residents as possible.

Is this safe – why are you asking symptomatic people to walk into busy places?

Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, including: adhering to social distancing; not travelling in a taxi or on public transport; wearing a face covering throughout (including travelling to and from the testing centre); and washing their hands thoroughly before leaving for their appointment. This approach has been agreed with expert clinical oversight.

What are you doing to keep residents safe?

The following safety measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of our residents:

daily enhanced cleaning of each testing centre
all staff working in the testing centres will wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) and each day all waste will be disposed of and removed as clinical waste
additional security will be available at each site, ensuring that anyone waiting for a test is wearing a face covering and social distancing
layouts at walk-through testing sites have been carefully designed to ensure people can move around them safely and prevent spread of the virus

How long will the semi-permanent coronavirus testing centres be in place?

We anticipate that the testing centres will be in place for six months. This will be continually reviewed depending on the local situation in Westminster.

What will happen to my community hall booking?

Existing bookings and regular users of the community halls are being provided with alternative community spaces so that their activities can continue. If you are a user of the hall and were thinking about making a booking or attending an activity please contact [email protected] or call 0207 245 2861 to make an enquiry.