More cases of South African variant "expected to be found" in Walsall
One case has already been identified in the town
Last updated 3rd Feb 2021
An extra 10,000 people will be testing over the next few weeks in Walsall, after a case of the South African variant was identified.
The case can't be traced back to international travel, and is among 11 found across the country.
Walsall Council say they're working closely with Public Health England and the national NHS Track and Trace team to support measures to curb any potential spread of this variant.
Residents, over the age of 18, who are living or working in parts of the WS2 postcode area will be "strongly encouraged" to take a COVID-19 test this week, even if they are not showing symptoms.
Testing sites have been set up at Walsall College and Forest Arts Centre to help increase testing.
Walsall Council will also be providing home test kits.
Councillor Stephen Craddock, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing said:
“I do understand that this news will cause concern. Our priority remains very much to keep our communities, and particularly our most vulnerable residents, safe. Please do play your part by following the ‘hands, face, space’ guidance and minimise your contact with others as much as possible.
“We are aiming to test an additional 10,000 residents without symptoms of COVID-19 in the next few weeks to assess containment of this variant. If you are asked to be tested, please do take up the offer. It’s quick, easy and painless and, put simply, you could save lives by doing so.”
Stephen Gunther, Director of Public Health said:
“The more cases of the variant we find, the better chance we have at suppressing it. Please help to keep your community safe by getting tested so we can find the variant and protect you and your loved ones.
“There is currently no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness, or that the regulated vaccines would not protect against it, but research indicates that it does transmit from person to person more easily.
“We know that mutations form a part of the virus cycle and the scientific community is well prepared to analyse new variants and assess what action may need to be taken.
“If a person tests positive, has any symptoms, or is contact traced following contact with someone who tests positive, they should self-isolate immediately.”
A postcode checker's also been set up so people in Walsall can check if they should be tested.
You can find out the details here.
Councillor Craddock added:
“We would very much appreciate the assistance of faith and other community leaders and trusted local voices in reaching our communities and encouraging them to get tested.”
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for NHS Test and Trace said:
“As part of our proactive sequencing work, we know that the new variant of COVID-19, first detected in South Africa, has been identified in a number of areas across England. A small proportion of these cases have no link to international travel suggesting that there are some cases in the community.
“In response to this, we are ramping up testing in targeted areas, so we can gather more information and effectively monitor any further community transmission.”
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