Ealing Council COVID-19 testing leaflet

Leaflet from Ealing Council titled 'Going out for an essential trip? Get a free test', 2021

Posted through the doors of Ealing's residents during February 2021, this leaflet gives information about increased testing in the area. A small number of people in the area were identified with having the beta variant of the COVID-19 virus. Each variant of the virus has its own properties about how easily it spread and the impact it may have on a person.

People over 16 who left their homes for allowed reasons were encouraged to get a test, even without symptoms. Those shielding or a higher risk of COVID-19 were advised to stay at home. The leaflet encourages people to take a vaccine when offered it and that “we know that people from black and Asian backgrounds have been worst hit, with more serious illness and death. Therefore we are particularly keen to increase testing in these communities.” The other side of the leaflet gives links to people finding out how to get tested, with translations in nine languages, representing those spoken in the borough.

‘Keep Ealing Safe’ was part of the larger ‘Keep London Safe’ campaign which began in July 2020. Research showed 46 per cent of Londoners surveyed did not know how to get a test. The public messaging was flexible to take into account specific local needs and was used on posters, leaflets and social media.