Surge testing in east London as ‘concerning’ variants found

SURGE testing is being deployed in parts of east London after new cases of the South African and Brazilian variants were found.

The tests are being rolled out after several cases of the two variants were detected, health leaders have said.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said that NHS Test and Trace was working with Tower Hamlets Council to provide additional testing and genomic sequencing in targeted areas within the E1 postcode from today.

It follows the identification of “several” confirmed cases of the variant B. 1.351, first seen in South Africa, and the P. 1 variant, first identified in Brazil. Both have been classed as “variants of concern”.

The department said all the confirmed cases were self-isolating and there were no links between the new cases and the cluster of cases recently identified in the south London area.

Everyone aged 11 and over who lives, works or is educated in these postcodes is being encouraged to take a test when invited, whether they are showing symptoms or not, the DHSC said.

Contact tracers look back over extended periods of time to determine the route of transmission.

The surge testing will use PCR tests, meaning any positive results can be sent for genomic sequencing.

“If you have symptoms, you should book a free test online or by phone so you can be tested at a testing site or have a testing kit sent to your home. If you do not have symptoms, you should visit the local authority website for more information,” DHSC said. “People in this area should also continue using twice-weekly rapid testing alongside the PCR test as part of surge testing.”