The City of London Corporation has today granted approval for the historic Guildhall Yard to house a coronavirus testing site.

The decision by the City Corporation is part of efforts to ensure people can safely work, visit and live in the Square Mile.

Guildhall Yard, the forecourt of the City Corporation’s headquarters, can now act as a local testing site to boost testing capacity for the City and neighbouring boroughs.

The facility is expected to be installed next week and will serve for an initial period of three months.

Local testing sites support the NHS Test and Trace service, which ensures anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms can be quickly tested to find out if they have the virus.

Catherine McGuinness, City of London Corporation Policy Chair, said:

“As this unprecedented global pandemic continues, it’s vital all public bodies play their part in tackling the virus. Providing space for this testing site is part of our commitment to ensure people can live in, work and visit the City safely.”

People should only get tested if they have symptoms or have been asked to get a test via the Test and Trace process. Symptoms of COVID-19 are a new, continuous cough, high temperature or loss of or change in normal sense of smell or taste.

Randall Anderson, Chairman of the City Corporation’s Community & Children’s Services Committee, said:

“It’s vital that anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus gets themselves tested. This testing site will play a part in boosting capacity for the City and neighbouring boroughs and ensuring people who need a test can access one promptly.”

People can book a test online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 between 7am and 11pm. Medical advice is available at http://111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. In an emergency call 999.