The Department for Health and Social Care has announced that Bristol and South Gloucestershire will be providing additional community testing for Covid-19 following the identification of a mutated variant of the virus in the area.<\/p>\n
Additional community testing, also known as \u2018surge\u2019\u00a0testing, will allow public health agencies to further investigate these cases and learn more about this mutated variant. It will also act to help reduce the spread of infection by finding asymptomatic cases and prompting people to self-isolate.<\/p>\n
The one-off testing will use PCR tests, which are analysed in laboratories, rather than lateral flow tests (also known as rapid tests). Testing will take place over the next two weeks across specific postcode areas* and will include the roll-out of additional mobile testing units (MTUs), locations where people can collect and return test kits, and the delivery of test kits to homes in some specific areas.<\/p>\n
Christina Gray, Director of Public Health at Bristol City Council and Sara Blackmore, Director of Public Health at South Gloucestershire Council, said:\u00a0\u201cWe are in constant communication with local and regional health partners and the Department for Health and Social Care, working together to put in place all appropriate steps to reduce the local rate of infection and identify and stem the spread of this\u00a0particular mutation\u00a0as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are\u00a0working together\u00a0on a\u00a0swift,\u00a0safe and\u00a0co-ordinated response, with\u00a0an enhanced community testing offer available to\u00a0people in and around\u00a0areas where this variant has been discovered.\u00a0This\u00a0will be in addition to ongoing availability of testing if you have symptoms (please book through the national system) and regular rapid testing for essential workers.\u00a0 This\u00a0additional action will enable closer monitoring and work to\u00a0reduce further transmission of the virus.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe expect\u00a0the number of identified cases of the mutated Kent variant\u00a0to\u00a0increase as a greater\u00a0scientific\u00a0focus\u00a0is put on\u00a0actively searching\u00a0for\u00a0it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst we know the Kent variant is more transmissible\u00a0the advice remains the same to everyone. Behave as if you are carrying the virus, stay in and only leave the home if you must. Do not mix socially outside of your household and continue to observe public health guidance \u2013 hands, face, space. If you are invited to receive a vaccine, please do so.<\/p>\n
\u201cFurther information\u00a0about our enhanced community testing offer\u00a0will be made available\u00a0in coming days as we move quickly to\u00a0respond.\u00a0In\u00a0the\u00a0meantime,\u00a0I urge everyone to continue doing the most you can to\u00a0limit the spread of the virus to protect yourself and each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk\/testing<\/a><\/p>\n *You can get tested at these sites if you live in the following postcodes:<\/p>\n In South Gloucestershire:<\/p>\n BS16 1<\/p>\n BS16 2<\/p>\n BS16 5<\/p>\n BS16 6<\/p>\n BS16 7<\/p>\n BS16 9<\/p>\n BS37 8<\/p>\n In Bristol:<\/p>\n BS1 3<\/p>\n BS2 0<\/p>\n BS2 8<\/p>\n BS2 9<\/p>\n BS3 5<\/p>\n BS4 4<\/p>\n BS5 6<\/p>\n BS5 7<\/p>\n BS6 5<\/p>\n BS8 2<\/p>\n BS8 3 (only within Bristol City Council boundary \u2013 check yours at\u00a0www.gov.uk\/find-local-council<\/a>)<\/p>\n BS9 4<\/p>\n BS5 0<\/p>\n BS6 6<\/p>\n