Are you concerned about the earlier closure of London’s COVID-19 testing centres at 6pm? Have you had any discussions about this with London’s NHS and public health leaders and its potential impact on testing uptake?

I meet regularly with my statutory health advisor, public health partners and the NHS to discuss the ongoing situation. Testing rates are monitored closely and have remained relatively stable in London since July, with increases in recent weeks. The decision to change COVID-19 testing centre opening times was made nationally in early November.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) continue to monitor test centre utilisation and deploy additional testing capacity using mobile testing units where it is high to ensure there is easy access to testing for anyone who has symptoms.