Coronavirus testing
To receive a test for coronavirus, you must book an appointment or order an at-home testing kit. Before attending any test centre, you must book an appointment through the government testing portal or telephone booking.
Information on testing is available in other languages.
Testing in Redbridge
If you need a test in Redbridge, you can book an appointment to visit the permanent walk-in testing facility, the drive-in mobile testing unit or order a home testing kit.
Walk-through testing
A permanent 7 day per week coronavirus testing facility is open at Mildmay Road Car Park. Please visit the Mildmay testing centre page for full information on getting tested. Please book an appointment before attending.
Mobile testing unit
A mobile testing unit will be in Redbridge on the following dates:
- Friday 18 September
- Sunday 20 September
- Monday 21 September
- Wednesday 23 September
- Thursday 24 September
- Saturday 26 September
- Monday 28 September
- Wednesday 30 September
Please book an appointment before attending.
Who can apply
If you have symptoms but are not a key worker
Anyone who has coronavirus symptoms can ask for a test.
Check if you have coronavirus symptoms on the NHS website.
If you are an essential worker or based in a care home
You can apply for a coronavirus test on GOV.UK if you:
- are an essential worker, including NHS or social care staff
- are applying for tests for the residents and staff of your care home
- have a verification code from your employer
When to get tested
You need to get tested within the first five days of developing symptoms to be effective.
What the test is
The test for coronavirus involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat using a long cotton bud. It tests if you currently have coronavirus.
If you test positive you must share information about your recent contacts through the NHS test and trace service.
Booking options
The options for testing are:
- Home test kits
- Drive through test centres around London
- Walk-through test centres
- Temporary Mobile Test Units
You can book a test online or via your employer. If you book through your employer, only the drive-through test centre option is available.
Mobile testing units are operating across London. Slots are limited but if you are eligible, you can apply and book a slot at the nearest available unit.
Questions
If you have any questions or need more information, visit the government's testing pages or contact the Coronavirus Testing Call Centre.
- Telephone: 0300 303 2713 (open daily, 8am to 8pm)
Apply for a test
Apply to get tested online.
You will apply for a test by providing your name and telephone number. If you are applying as an essential worker, you will be asked why you are getting tested.
You will then receive a text message confirming if you have been allocated a slot for a COVID-19 test and you will receive a link to an appointment booking form.
If you are unable to book online or have difficulty with the online portal, you can ring 119 to book your test.