Islington Labour has been calling on the Government to provide local, easy access to Covid-19 testing since the start of this pandemic.

However, the Tories have dragged their heels at every turn, denying local people the vital tests they need to tackle this virus and start easing restrictions.

The Tories’ private sector-run test and trace system has been shambolic throughout this crisis and is part of the reason we continue to face lockdowns and restrictions. A fully-functioning, locally-run test, trace and isolate service would allow businesses to get back on their feet, hospitality to reopen and families to spend more time together.

After much dither and delay from central government, Islington’s second Covid-19 testing site is open in Finsbury Leisure Centre. It is the second testing site in Islington, as a walk-through testing centre is also operating in the Sobell Leisure Centre car park.

The local walk-through testing centre in Norman Street, EC1V 3PU, opened today (Thursday 26 November) and will be open from 8am-8pm, seven days a week, for the next six months.

All appointments for testing must be booked through the national coronavirus website – www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test – or by dialling 119.  The site cannot accept people who come for tests without booking. The bookings system is not managed by the Council but if you need assistance with the process, please contact We Are Islington on 020 7527 8222 or minicom on 020 7527 1900.

Cllr Sue Lukes, Islington Council’s executive member for community safety, said:

“Our top priority throughout the pandemic is keeping our residents safe and supported. The Tories have delayed providing more testing capacity in our borough for far too long.

 

“We’ve said many times it’s vital that people in Islington have easier access to tests, to stop the spread of the virus and save lives. No one is safe until everyone is safe”

Islington Labour’s Bunhill ward councillors Troy Gallagher and Phil Graham said:

“This is a welcome step in tackling this virus. The majority of our residents don’t have access to a car so a testing site which they can book into and walk to is vital for local people.”