Residents in parts of Lancashire are being urged to be tested for coronavirus after a new mutation was found.
The mutation of coronavirus, initially detected in Liverpool, has now been discovered in Preston and West Lancashire, say local health officials.
People living in those areas are being urged to take a Covid-19 test if they are feeling unwell, with symptoms including a cold, mild flu and headaches.
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health and wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, said: "If you live in Preston or West Lancashire and you're feeling under the weather, please get a Covid test.
"It doesn't matter if you don’t have the three classic symptoms of a fever, loss of taste or smell, or a cough – even a headache could be an indication you may have this mutation.
"Understandably, some residents may be concerned but all viruses mutate over time so this should not cause any further alarm.
"Alongside our partners, please rest assured that we are monitoring the situation closely. It is important to stress that there is currently no evidence that this mutation alone causes more severe illness or is more transmissible."
Extra mobile testing units are also being deployed to the affected areas to help ramp up testing.
It comes after residents in the Merseyside area of Southport began to be offered additional testing after evidence located the South African variant in the area.
Specific postcode areas were then targeted with extra testing with the areas being: Hanwell, west London; Tottenham, north London; Mitcham, south London; Walsall in the West Midlands; Broxbourne, Hertfordshire; Maidstone, Kent; Woking, Surrey; and Southport, Merseyside.
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