Residents and workers across the Square Mile and Hackney are being encouraged to get a test if they have symptoms of coronavirus.

Leaflets are being sent out to all homes across the City and Hackney explaining the important role that the NHS Test and Trace programme plays in reducing the spread of coronavirus.

The ‘Keep London Safe’ leaflets also highlight the importance of prevention measures, such as washing your hands, wearing a face covering and social distancing.

As part of the campaign, posters and banners will be placed around the Square Mile and Hackney letting people know how they can book a coronavirus test.

Lord Mayor of the City of London William Russell said:

“We all have an important role to play in controlling coronavirus.

“As a sense of normality returns to the Square Mile and elsewhere, I can’t reinforce enough how crucial the NHS Test and Trace system is in keeping all of us safe.

“This new campaign helps reinforce this message, as well as the importance of preventive measures like wearing a face covering, social distancing and regular hand washing.”

Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville said:

“Working with NHS Test and Trace is vital to controlling the next stage of the coronavirus outbreak, our public health team are at the forefront of this effort, but we need your help to make it work. 

“If you have coronavirus symptoms you need to self isolate, order a test or visit one of our local test centres and if you have a positive result, take part in the contact tracing programme. This will enable the virus to be contained and helps prevent local lockdowns. We must all work together as a community to keep Hackney safe, keep the City safe and keep London safe.”

Director of Public Health for City and Hackney Dr Sandra Husbands said:

“The next step in keeping people safe from coronavirus is NHS Test and Trace. It works by recounting the movements of someone who is infected to build up a picture of who else might have been exposed to the virus. 

“As coronavirus is highly infectious, It is really important for those with the virus to take part in contact tracing to limit the spread of the virus through the community. 

“It is imperative that we all take part in this process, from engaging with NHS Test and Trace if you have a positive test result, to self isolating if you are contacted yourself. We must do this to keep Hackney safe.” 

Recent data showed that 46% of Londoners don’t know how to get a coronavirus test, and this figure increases among some groups, such as older people, meaning it is more important than ever to inform people on how to get a test to help keep London safe.

People with symptoms need to get a test to know whether they have coronavirus so that they can take action to not pass it on to others, and should self-isolate as soon as they start to develop symptoms.

If you have coronavirus symptoms such as a cough, fever or loss of taste or smell, please isolate yourself from other people for 7 days and get a test by calling 119 or going to nhs.uk/coronavirus. If you are asked to self isolate, regardless of symptoms, you must do so to keep from possibly passing it onto others. 

ENDS

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk