Surge testing deployed across four new areas to fight rising Indian variant cases

Surge coronavirus testing is being deployed in four new areas of Lancashire due to spikes in cases of the Indian variant.

The testing is being expanded following the identification of a number of confirmed cases of the B.1.617.2 variant, first identified in India.

All cases have been instructed to self-isolate and their contacts are being identified.

Working in partnership with local authorities, NHS Test and Trace is launching additional testing and genomic sequencing across a number of areas, including Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn and Rossendale.

Additional mobile testing units and Covid-19 tests are being deployed to higher educational settings in these areas, and door to door testing is taking place to find and isolate cases.

Burnley is one of the areas where new surge testing is coming into force due to a rise in cases of the Indian variant (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

Local authorities will shortly confirm the areas where additional testing will be offered in their boroughs, and reach out directly to residents to ensure people come forward for testing to stop the spread of the virus.

Everyone who lives, works or studies in the targeted areas and settings, including children, are being strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 PCR test, whether they are showing symptoms or not.

Anyone who has tested positive for the Indian variant of Covid is being told self-isolate at home (Getty Images)

By using PCR testing, positive results can be sent for genomic sequencing at specialist laboratories, helping to identify variant of concern (VOC) cases and their spread.

In tandem with increased testing, enhanced contact tracing will be used for individuals testing positive with a variant of concern. This is where contact tracers look back over an extended period to determine the route of transmission.