Additional COVID-19 testing sites have opened across the borough for a two-week surge period.

Everyone over the age of 11 who lives, works, or studies in Wandsworth or Lambeth is being urged to take a COVID-19 PCR test after new cases of the South African variant were found this week.

However, there have been reports that long wait times and queues have prevented people from getting tested.

Wandsworth Council said: “We’re aware that due to the wonderful response to the call for everyone to get tested the system and waiting times has, at times, proved to be frustrating.”

“To make this easier for all we will have extra sites open for testing and there are now 23 pharmacies taking booking for PCR testing.”

From Wednesday (15 April) extra facilities opened for PCR testing at Putney Leisure Centre and at car parks in Fernlea Road and Patmore Street.

Tests are still available from current sites at Mount Clare House, Tooting Leisure Centre and Wandsworth Town Hall.

In light of the new variant, 23 pharmacies in Wandsworth are offering PCR tests which can be booked online.

Everyone is urged to get a PCR test, even if they have no symptoms or have received the vaccine.

Positive tests will be examined in a laboratory to determine whether any of them are the variant first identified in South Africa.

For more information or to book an appointment visit: www.wandsworth.gov.uk/surge-testing