10k covid tests carried out in Norfolk
Certain parts of the county were targeted
Last updated 9th Aug 2021
Over 10,000 Covid 19 tests have been carried out in targeted locations on the east Norfolk coast over the last ten days in July. Testing was carried out in Gorleston, Bradwell, Hemsby, Ormesby, Somerton and Winterton.
During the 10 days to Saturday 31 July 10,269 tests were completed in these areas, identifying 114 positive cases. All those who have tested positive have been advised to self-isolate.
As of 31 July, the case rate per 100,000 of population in the Great Yarmouth Borough area stood at 268.
Testing, which targeted those who live and work in the areas and are aged 16 years or older, was carried out by Norfolk County Council Public Health in partnership with Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the Department of Health and Social Care.
The 10,269 tests completed over the ten days to 31 July identified a total of 114 individual cases.
Diane Steiner, Norfolk’s Deputy Director for Public Health, said:
“With over ten thousand tests carried out in just ten days, the response in these areas to this additional testing has been excellent. I want to say thank you to each and every person who came forward to get tested: this means 114 chances to stop transmission of the virus.
“I’d encourage everyone to carry on testing regularly, through our roving community test sites, by picking up kits at libraries and pharmacies, or by ordering test kits online; this can help reduce the risk for local residents.”
The surge testing was carried out after a rapid rise in cases in the area in early July, with figures showing a case rate of 459 per 100,000 in the Great Yarmouth Borough Council area in the week ending 14 July.
Cllr Carl Smith, Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said:
“I would like to thank all the residents who took part in this enhanced testing as we work together to slow the spread of Covid-19 and reduce the number of cases in the borough of Great Yarmouth.”