Over 6,000 people already taken part in surge testing in South Norfolk

Around 6,100 people living in Diss and Roydon have already taken part in the surge testing programme which launched there last Friday.

Norfolk Public Health and South Norfolk Council have applauded the efforts of local people and are now urging anyone who hasn't yet taken a test in the affected area to come forward.

More than 2,600 people have been tested at the three mobile testing sites since Friday 19th February, with around 3,500 home testing kits returned out of the more than 4,000 issued, so far.

The testing was launched after cases of the South African variant were detected in the area.

The authority's behind the scheme say adjustments are now being made to the opening times and dates of drop-off points, and the three mobile testing units.

Norfolk County Council's Deputy Director of Public Health Diane Steiner said: "We couldn't be more pleased with the way local people have responded to our call to participate in this testing.

"Once again, I want to extend my thanks to everyone who has taken the time to get tested at mobile testing units or by collecting test kits and returning them.

"It's been a truly great effort and will help us to identify if there is any wider spread of this variant.

"We will now adjust our arrangements for testing to reflect this. I would appeal to anyone who has collected a home testing kit since Friday but not yet returned it to do so - please remember you need to drop it off within 24 hours of taking the test.

"We are also still appealing to anyone who has not yet been tested to book an appointment at one of the mobile testing units, or to book a home testing kit, this week if possible."

Where can I take my completed home test?

Home test kits which have been completed can be dropped off at:

• Midwich Ltd, Vince's Road, Diss, IP22 4YT
• Outside Roydon White Hart/Roydon Church

• Drop offs can be made anytime between 9am and 7pm on Wednesday 24th February.

• Then from Thursday 25th February, kits can be dropped off anytime between 8am and 6pm at Diss Leisure Centre.

• How do I get a test?

• Tests can be booked for anyone over the age of 16 who lives or works in either Diss or Roydon.

• Bookings can be made from 8am each day by ringing 119 or visiting this website.

• Appointments are available at two mobile testing sites:

• Roydon Community Centre, open daily from 10am until 4pm until Sunday 28th February
• Diss Leisure Centre, open daily from 9am until 3pm until Thursday 4th March

• Those who don't have symptoms should click 'yes' when asked 'is the person who needs a test part of a trial or government project', and then select 'taking part in community testing'.

• Those who do have coronavirus symptoms should follow the instructions on the website and choose one of the mobile testing sites listed above and drive to the centre if they can.

• If you have problems booking a test or are unable to visit a mobile testing unit you can call the South Norfolk help hub on 01508 533933.

• What happens to the tests once they're given back in?

• Positive tests are being sequenced to identify any further spread of the South African variant of Covid-19.

• It will help to enable a better understanding of the variant and identify if there are anymore strands in the local area.

• Anyone who test positive must self-isolate immediately with their households and pass their details to NHS Test and Trace.

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