Surge testing begins in Hillingdon and Harrow after South African Covid variant discovered

Testing has been ramped up in but extra elements of London following the detection of the South African Covid variant.

Hillingdon and Harrow are simply two areas of the capital the place the variant has been discovered, resulting in in depth monitoring of Covid-19.

Cases have additionally been detected in elements of North and South London, resulting in surge testing in particular areas.

On Sunday (April 11), Hillingdon Council confirmed {that a} single case of the variant was detected in Hayes. A “small quantity” of instances of the variant have additionally been detected in Harrow, based on the council.

Currently, there isn’t any proof to recommend that this variant is any extra extreme than others.

Harrow

Enhanced Covid testing, also referred to as a PCR check, is being supplied to Harrow residents aged 16 and over who stay on sure streets inside South Harrow, Roxbourne and Roxeth.

Leaflets have been delivered by means of doorways, and some will probably be supplied a house testing equipment.

Residents that aren’t being requested to participate in the improved testing can nonetheless guide a fast Covid check.

Harrow Council stated: “It is correct that we needs to be cautious about new variants, we recognize that individuals could also be anxious in the present local weather.

“We are consistently looking out for any new variants, our means to determine any early will permit us to deploy public well being interventions to maintain individuals protected.”

The council stated it’s investigating the brand new variant, and urged residents in the meantime to stay to the principles of washing arms, carrying a face masks and social distancing.

Find out extra on the web site right here.

Hillingdon

Hillingdon residents who stay in focused areas and are aged 16 or over are additionally being requested to take a Covid-19 check.

The council stated that from Monday, April 12, 7,000 testing kits could be delivered to houses and companies in the focused areas for individuals with out signs.

Testing has additionally been made accessible on the current Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) on the Central Avenue Car Park in Hayes (reverse Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre) from 8am and 6pm up till Friday, April 23.

‘Remain vigilant’

Hillingdon Council chief Ian Edwards stated: “Although this was solely a single case, it’s vital that we take sturdy motion to higher perceive the extent of this variant in the neighborhood.

“Our an infection charges are persevering with to fall however, sadly, in West London they aren’t falling as rapidly as different elements of London. It is vital that residents throughout the borough stay vigilant and proceed to stick to the principles as society reopens.”

Cllr Edwards urged residents to maintain washing their arms, carrying face coverings and staying no less than two metres away from anybody they don’t stay with.

He added: “By working collectively, we may help to drive down infections even additional and hold Hillingdon protected.”

For extra data see the council’s web site right here.

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