Surge testing to be deployed after South African Covid variant found in the north west

Health secretary Matt Hancock announced affected postcodes in a Downing Street briefing this evening (Monday).

One of the areas targeted is the PR9 postcode, which covers Southport, Burscough, Scarisbrick and Banks.

Other postcodes affected are London (W7, N17, CR4), West Midlands (WS2), East of England (EN10), and South East (ME15, GU21).

Every person over 16 living in these locations is strongly encouraged to take a COVID test this week, whether they are showing symptoms or not.

Mobile testing units (MTUs) will be deployed offering PCR testing to people without symptoms who have to leave their home for work or essential reasons, with local authorities encouraging people to get tested in the area by providing additional home test kits.

People with symptoms should book a test in the usual way and people without symptoms should visit their local authority website for more information.

This additional testing will begin in these areas from Monday.

Positive tests will be sequenced to identify any further spread of the COVID-19 variant first identified in South Africa, enabling a better understanding of the variant and identifying if there are any more cases of this particular strand of the virus in the area.

In total, Public Health England has identified 105 cases of the COVID-19 variant first identified in South Africa since 22 December.

All cases and their contacts have been contacted and told to self-isolate.

There is currently no evidence to suggest this variant is more serious than others, or that the regulated vaccine would not protect against it.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: "It is vital that we do all we can to stop transmission of this variant and I strongly urge everyone in these areas to get tested, whether you have symptoms or not.

"The best way to stop the spread of the virus – including new variants – is to stay at home and follow the restrictions in place.

"Until more people are vaccinated this is the only way we will control the spread of the virus."

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