South African variant of Covid-19 found in Redditch

Surge testing is being started in Redditch after cases of the South African Variant of Covid-19 were discovered.

All cases are now self-isolating and contact tracing has taken place to trace their contacts and ask them to self-isolate.

These cases have not been traced back to international travel.

Working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace, every person living or working in the specified testing area within Redditch over the age of 16 is being strongly encouraged to take a PCR COVID-19 test this week, even if they are not showing symptoms.

Testing will also be offered to children, however testing of children is at the discretion of their parents.

A mobile testing unit (MTU) will be deployed from today (Thursday) offering PCR testing and local people are invited to be tested.

It's located at the Abbey Stadium and will be open for up to two weeks, depending upon demand.

PCR home testing kits will also be provided across the affected areas.

To find out if your postcode is included in this testing and for more information, you can click here

Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for NHS Test and Trace, said:

“As part of our proactive sequencing work, we have identified cases of COVID-19 variants 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.

“PHE and NHS Test and Trace are monitoring the situation closely and appropriate public health measures such as increased testing and contact tracing are being put in place where necessary.”

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire, said:

“We are working closely with Public Health England following a small number of COVID-19 variant cases that have been identified in Redditch.

“We will be offering additional testing in specific areas over the coming days in order to suppress any onward spread of the virus and I’d ask everyone in the relevant areas to take up this opportunity.

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