"Targeted testing" for Indian Covid variant to be carried out in parts of Nottingham
"Shared, private accommodation" buildings will be targeted in the city centre and Radford
Health officials in Nottingham are warning local people to "stay safe" as the Indian variant is confirmed in the City.
It's believed that some cases of the new variant have been picked up via community transmission, rather than cases exclusively linked to travel from the country.
David Johns, Interim Director of Public Health in Nottingham, said: “Public Health England often informs us of variants of Covid-19 and given that the latest Variant of Concern is emerging around the country, I would urge people to stay safe and follow the Step Two guidance at this time, and take regular tests as we move towards unlocking our city at Step Three.”
The City Council say they're working with Public health England to carry out testing in shared, private accommodation in the city centre and Radford over the next two weeks.
Dr Johns added: “In areas of the city where we know the variant is present we are carrying out further targeted testing. I would like to thank everyone who so far has come forward to take a test. We need everybody’s help with this. If you are asked to come forward for test, please work with our teams and get tested at the earliest opportunity.
“Targeted testing is part of the Government’s response to Coronavirus variants of concern, allowing us to quickly identify any other cases in order to monitor the potential spread of the virus. We are working closely with Public Health England and other partners to ensure this happens quickly and smoothly.”