More surge testing as Brazil variant found in South Gloucestershire
We're all being urged to act like we have the virus
Last updated 1st Mar 2021
Extra coronavirus testing will take place in South Gloucestershire from today (01/03) after another new strain of the virus was found in the area.
In all across the country six cases of the so called Manaus strain have been discovered, three in Scotland and three in England, but one of the English cases remains unidentified.
As a result extra surge testing is being brought in to South Gloucestershire where some of the cases were found.
Like the system that was brought in temporarily last month, it will see residents without symptoms from several postcode areas invited to take a coronavirus test at one of several sites.
Anyone aged 16 or over, who either lives or works in one of the following postcodes can get a test:
- BS32 0
- BS32 8
- BS32 9
- BS32 5
- BS34 6
South Gloucestershire Council say there is no connection between last month's surge testing programme and this new one.
Testing will be provided at two new drive through sites open from 9am to 6pm every day, plus several Collect and Drop sites open from 9am to 5pm, allowing residents to pick up a test and take it home to complete before bringing it back.
As things stand, the plan is for the programme to run for one week and end on Sunday 7 March.
The drive in sites will be at:
- Stoke Gifford Parkway Park and Ride, Huntsground Road, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8PU
- The Mall Coach Park, The Mall Cribbs Causeway, Highwood Road, Patchway, BS34 5SP
The first two Collect and Drop sites will be at
- Little Stoke Community Centre, Little Stoke Lane, BS34 6HR
- Patchway Community Centre, Rodway Road, Patchway BS34 5PF
Tomorrow (02/03) three more Collect and Drop sites will open at:
- Bradley Stoke Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, BS32 8HL (will be closed on Friday 5 March)
- Baileys Court Activity Centre, Baileys Court Road, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8BH
- Coniston Community Centre, The Parade, Coniston Road, Patchway, BS34 5LP
"Surge testing allows us to find and isolate any positive cases of coronavirus, to help break the chain of transmission, by finding asymptomatic cases and prompting people to self-isolate," a statement on the council's website reads.
"Positive results will be followed up with genome sequencing to identify the precise strain so that we can learn more about the disease."
Sara Blackmore, Director of Public Health at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “We are keen that all South Gloucestershire residents in the postcode areas identified take part in this testing, which will help us to identify positive cases and prompt self-isolation, which helps to break the chain of transmission.
“We do recognise the challenge for residents of undertaking another additional testing programme and want to thank you in advance for your patience and support as we continue to work together to protect our communities from Covid-19.
“We are working together with local and regional health partners, Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace, to deliver this swift, safe and co-ordinated response, with an enhanced community testing offer available to people in and around areas where this variant has been discovered."
The council says more information about the surge testing will be made available in the coming days.
In the meantime, everyone is urged to act as if they have the virus.