Villagers near Basingstoke to be tested for SA Covid variant
Home tests will be delivered on Wednesday
Last updated 17th Feb 2021
MASS testing in Bramley near Basingstoke will start on Wednesday after a case of the South African variant of coronavirus was detected.
Hampshire County Council has confirmed that the local rapid testing programme is expected to begin Wednesday afternoon and last through until Friday.
This follows identification of a single confirmed case of the South African variant in the area and is one of a number of similar testing programmes taking place across the country to help the Government to understand more about the new COVID variants and how they are evolving.
A team from the County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, along with local volunteers from the Red Cross and REACT will visit some 2,000 properties over the course of the two days.
Between 3,000 and 4,000 people in Barmley are expected to get tested.
The news comes as concerns were previously raised that the mutation can spread faster and vaccines may not be as effective.
Those living in postcodes starting with RG26 are set to be invited to take a Covid test.
Residents will not need to travel to a testing site or book a test. But a testing kit will instead be delivered in an envelope.
Everyone over the age of 16 has been “strongly encouraged” to take a test.
Hampshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, Simon Bryant, said:
“The important message for the community is that the risk to local people from this single case is very low. There is no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness or that protection is not provided by the vaccines. Furthermore, known contacts of the case have been traced and notified.
“The test is voluntary, but I would urge local residents to take part, as the confidential findings from this testing programme will feed into national research designed to help beat the virus, so that we can return to normal life as quickly as possible.”
The two-day testing programme will involve testing kits delivered to local householders accompanied by clear instructions on how to register the kit online and how to self-administer the test. Arrangements are being made for those unable to register online to do so via the Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline. Details will be provided to residents by the testing team.
Householders should receive their results from NHS Test and Trace within 2-3 days.
Anyone who has tested positive for coronavirus within the last 90 days does not need to take this further test.
Simon Bryant added: “I would like to reassure local people, as well as those who need to visit the area for essential business reasons, that they can carry on ‘as normal’. This means following Government guidance to stay at home, essential travel only, and to continue observing the hands-face-space rules.
“My thanks to the local community in advance, for their co-operation.”
Need help?
Anyone with questions or concerns about the testing programme can contact the Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline on 0333 370 4000. (Calls charged at local rate).
The helpline is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Further information is available at www.hants.gov.uk/localtesting