SURGE testing is being deployed in Redditch after cases of the South African variant of Covid-19 were discovered.

All cases are now self-isolating and tracing has taken place to locate their contacts and ask them to self-isolate.

Worcestershire County Council says these cases have not been traced back to international travel.

Working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace, every person living or working in the specified testing area within Redditch over the age of 16 is being asked to take a PCR Covid-19 test this week, even if they are not showing symptoms.

Testing will also be offered to children, however this is at the discretion of their parents.

To find out if your postcode is included in this testing, residents can visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/covid19variant. 

A mobile testing unit (MTU) will be set up at the Abbey Stadium from Thursday, May 13, offering PCR testing and local people are invited to be tested.

PCR home testing kits will also be provided across the affected areas.

Testing is available to anyone who does not have symptoms. Testing will help to suppress and control the spread of the virus, while enabling a better understanding of the variant.

If someone tests positive, they must self-isolate immediately and pass on details of their contacts to NHS Test and Trace.

Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for NHS Test and Trace, said: “As part of our proactive sequencing work, we have identified cases of Covid-19 variants in a number of areas across England. A small proportion of these cases have no link to international travel suggesting that there are some cases in the community.

“PHE and NHS Test and Trace are monitoring the situation closely and appropriate public health measures such as increased testing and contact tracing are being put in place where necessary.”

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “We are working closely with Public Health England following a small number of COVID-19 variant cases that have been identified in Redditch.

“There does not appear to be any links to travel and we have no evidence to suggest that this variant is any more severe than others.

“We will be offering additional testing in specific areas of Redditch over the coming days in order to suppress any onward spread of the virus and I’d ask everyone in the relevant areas to take up this opportunity.

“This is also a reminder to everyone in the county to continue to follow the guidelines and book a PCR Covid-19 test as soon as possible if you are showing symptoms (continuous cough, high temperature and/or loss of taste/smell) and self-isolate until you have received your result.”

Redditch MP Rachel Maclean said: “I know the news of confirmed cases of the South African variant in Redditch will be concerning to my constituents, but it’s because of the testing capacity we now have that we can surge testing to local areas in order to contain outbreaks.

“I will continue to monitor the situation closely with my local government colleagues and public health officials. In the meantime, if you live or work in one of the targeted areas then please book a test. 

“I also know my constituents will be concerned about the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines against new coronavirus variants. It’s important to say the vaccines being deployed right now across the UK appear to work well against the Covid-19 variants that are currently dominant in the UK.

"The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is still effective against severe disease, and an updated vaccine to tackle mutations is expected this autumn, which is encouraging news.”