Surge testing to begin to investigate COVID-19 mutation in Manchester
Four cases in two unconnected households have been detected and further investigations are underway.
Enhanced community testing will begin in parts of Hulme, Moss Side, Whalley Range and Fallowfield after a small number of cases of a mutated form of COVID-19 were detected in Manchester.
Four cases in two unconnected households of the E484K mutation - linked to the known Kent strain - have been detected and further investigations are underway to understand if this form of the virus has spread further.
The council is working with Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace to put in place additional testing in the local area to investigate further and to take action to limit the number of people exposed.
From tomorrow (Tues 9 Feb), testing will begin and more than 10,000 tests will be supplied to the community.
Additional testing sites will be set up in the area to enable everyone over the age of 16 who live, works, or studies in in the designated area to get a test as quickly as possible.
In the coming days, volunteers will also begin knocking on people’s doors to offer alternative testing for anyone who can’t get out to a testing site, and testing will also be made available for people who work in the area but don’t necessarily live in the area.
Affected postcodes
M14 4, M14 7, M15 5, M15 6, M16 7, M16 8
Additional mobile testing sites will be located at:
Our Lady’s R C Church
Our Ladys Presbytery
Raby St
M16 7JQ
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurdwara
15 Monton St
M14 4LS
These sites will operate as walk-up centres with no need to book a test in advance. An additional testing site will also be made available within the next few days.
David Regan, Director of Public Health, Manchester City Council, said:
"We all know that the virus will change over time and it’s important that we investigate new strains to understand how they might spread. This is exactly what we’re doing with the intensive testing in parts of Manchester with local testing units and people going door-to-door to offer people tests.
“There is no evidence that this variant will be resistant to the vaccines or causes a more severe illness, and it is not yet known if the strain can be passed more easily between people. But it is really important that everyone who lives in the boundary area and is over the age of 16 plays their part and gets a test.
“The best thing we can all do it to keep following the rules – Hands, Face, Space - get a test if you have symptoms, and keep your vaccination appointment when you are called.”
Cllr Bev Craig, Manchester City Council’s executive member for adult health and well-being, said:
"It's understandable that some residents in the area may be concerned by all this, but we need to remember that it's very normal for viruses to mutate. The important thing is that this mutation has been identified and that we're taking action to stop its spread.
“We are following the public health approach to react to the new variant and we will be working with community groups, local champions, MPs and councillors to ensure as many people as possible know how to get a test so we can understand more about this version of the virus.
"There are no changes to the restrictions in Manchester and if you do have to go out for one of the permitted reasons, please make sure you carry on following the rules on social distancing, and wearing a face covering, as well as washing your hands regularly."