Merton College recently opened its facilities to coronavirus testing as part of the government’s UK-wide drive to meet demands across communities. 

The new walk-through centre, located at London Rd, Morden, has been made available to those who are suffering from coronavirus symptoms and have booked online.

The site, which opened on October 3, has tested over 1500 people for the virus which has placed Merton along with the rest of London, in Tier 2 restrictions.

Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh recently informed residents about the new site by email.

She said: "I know that there have been many people struggling to get a coronavirus test when they need one.

"I hope that this will make testing more readily available for anyone who needs one."

Wimbledon Times: PAPA

Council authorities have confirmed, an agreement has been set up to use the college as a testing site for a maximum of six months.

The testing site will be in operation from 8 am to 8 pm daily, for 7 days a week.

Merton currently has 75 cases per 100,000 people in the latest week of Oct 9-Oct 15. The average area in England had 93.

Dr Dagmar Zeuner, Director of Public Health for Merton Council said: “A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility is to open for those with symptoms to book appointments at Thames College in Morden, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.

“Our aim is that everyone in Merton with coronavirus symptoms has access to free tests to support continued efforts to reduce the transmission of the virus.

"To ensure sites have enough capacity to meet demand, people must book an appointment to attend a walk-through testing site. It is vital for safety reasons they arrive at the correct time.

"Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to a sense of smell or taste. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119."

Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.