A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility has opened in Chingford.

Testing at this site, in Richmond Road Car Park, is only available for those with Covid-19 symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

The new site is situated so it is easily accessible without a car.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, an not using public transport.

Joe McDonnell, Director of Public Health at Waltham Forest Council, said: "We are pleased to have this new site as part of our ongoing work to offer communities access to coronavirus testing. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) walk-in test site for people with Covid-19 symptoms will also give residents in Chingford more options to get tested within their area.

“And now, anyone who tests positive as part of regular testing using rapid test kits, needs a PCR test to confirm the diagnosis, making it more important than ever to have good local access to PCR testing.

“Remember, the rapid home test kits that so many residents have picked up are only for regular weekly use for people without symptoms – if you do have symptoms, getting a PCR test, from this site or elsewhere, is the only way you can be sure if you have Covid. If you have symptoms, only a negative PCR test result will let you end isolation early – a rapid test result is not enough.

“I urge everyone with symptoms of Covid, no matter how mild, to get a PCR test and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted."