A SECOND Hillingdon site, where residents without symptoms can get tested for COVID-19, is open at the Beck Theatre, Hayes.

It is using rapid tests supplied by NHS Test and Trace, in response to a sharp rise in cases across the capital.

Around one in three people have COVID-19 without any symptoms and could be spreading the disease without knowing it. The rapid lateral flow swab tests provide results within an hour.

Hillingdon’s first testing site opened in December at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge.

It is offering tests to council employees and their families, and other non-council key workers, such as GPs and supermarket staff. 

Residents without symptoms can book a test online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/community-testing or by calling 0203 949 5786.

Council leader Sir Ray Puddifoot, said: "Opening further community testing sites across the borough is a key priority for the council to help drive down the spread of the virus.”

Residents with any COVID-19 symptoms should still book a test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119.