Surge testing in third area of Surrey after new case of South African coronavirus variant
Test kits will be delivered door-to-to in the area from Thursday (18 February)
A third coronavirus surge testing operation is to take place in Surrey after another case of the South African variant of COVID-19 was discovered.
Beginning this week, it will focus on the Maybury area of Woking after a separate case was found to the two which prompted testing of around 10,000 people in the St Johns and Goldsworth park areas of the town.
A map and postcode checker of the affected area can be found here.
Another case was also found in Runnymede, with door-to-door testing having already taken place there.
The process will replicate that of previous surge testing, with all those aged 16 and over being encouraged to take a test – regardless of symptoms.
Surrey’s Director of Public Health, Ruth Hutchinson, said: “This method of surge testing is vital in helping us understand any spread of the South African variant in the community.
“By playing your part and taking the test, you’ll be helping to keep your community and your loved ones safe. Our previous two surge testing operations have gone smoothly, with residents keen to do anything they can to help.
“It’s really important to say that there is currently no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness, so residents shouldn’t worry.”
In a statement the council added that residents in the affected areas, and across Woking, should “remain calm and continue to follow the national restrictions that are currently in place”.