South London surge testing for South African variant thrown into chaos

Some pop-up centres in Lambeth noticed queues of as much as three hours, prompting the council to deploy emergency further capability all through the afternoon.

An incorrect opening time was marketed for the Streatham Library take a look at website, the place there have been lengthy queues as individuals arrived for 8am as an alternative of 9am, and the council additionally eliminated two incorrectly listed testing websites from its web site.

A Lambeth Council spokesman mentioned: “We elevated capability to make sure queues are manageable, which proved efficient throughout the day. We have eight testing websites obtainable for Lambeth residents with extra cellular testing items being added, in addition to websites open in neighbouring Wandsworth they will use.”

It is believed the virus unfold from a person who returned from a rustic in Africa to members of their family after which to a care dwelling in Lambeth, the place 23 individuals had been contaminated.

One of the 13 contaminated workers obtained a Pfizer vaccine dose two or extra weeks earlier than their optimistic take a look at. The disclosure is prone to intensify the talk over “crimson checklist” journey insurance policies, and whether or not workers working in care properties must be required to be vaccinated in opposition to Covid.

Public Health England officers are hopeful the cluster of circumstances, described by Susan Hopkins, the chief Test and Trace adviser, as “vital”, shall be introduced below management.

Yvette Cooper, who chairs the house affairs committee, mentioned the case uncovered flaws within the Government’s border controls.

“The unfold of the South Africa variant is a critical concern and exhibits the actual issues with the Government’s repeated delays in bringing in correct border measures,” she mentioned. “We knew concerning the South Africa variant for almost two months earlier than the Government lastly introduced in stronger border preparations, and it seems as if these delays have made it doable for these south London circumstances to unfold.

“At a time when all of our hopes are pinned on the success of the vaccine programme and lockdown easing, vigilance in opposition to new variants is essential. It is extra vital than ever for the Government to make sure there are rigorous testing, quarantine and enforcement methods in place to cope with any new variants that come up.”

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