New ‘surge testing’ hubs have opened in Bristol today to help stem the spread of a new covid variant strain discovered in the city.
The new hubs - which will operate for two weeks - will open at 9am today at the Science Park, Driac Crescent, Emersons Green, Bristol City Council Rapid Testing Centre, 17-18 Wellington Road, and at Imperial Retail Park in Hartcliffe Way.
The additional community testing hubs come as it was revealed 11 cases of a new variant of coronavirus had been discovered in parts of Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
The aim of the additional testing is to allow public health officials to find out more about the mutated variant and help reduce the spread of infection by finding asymptomatic cases and prompting people to self-isolate.
The surge testing is only available to people living in certain postcodes.
These are;
BS1 3
BS2 0
BS2 8
BS2 9
BS3 5
BS4 4
BS5 6
BS5 7
BS6 5
BS8 2
BS9 4
BS5 0
BS6 6
BS14 9
BS16 1
BS16 2
BS16 3
BS16 5
BS16 6
BS16 7
BS16 9
BS37 8
BS8 3 (only within Bristol City Council boundary – check yours at www.gov.uk/find-local-council )
BS14 0 (only within Bristol City Council boundary – check yours at www.gov.uk/find-local-council )
People who do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 - who are asymptomatic - can get a coronavirus test at one of the new mobile test sites.
The one-off testing will use PCR tests, which are analysed in laboratories, rather than lateral flow tests (also known as rapid tests).
As well as the new testing hubs, locations will also be set up where people can collect and return test kits.
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Test kits will also be delivered to homes in some specific areas.
A Bristol City Council spokesman said: “You do not need to book an appointment, although there will be a booking process beginning on Tuesday 9 February.
“We realise that not everyone can get to a test site so other ways for eligible people to get a test during this time will be made available shortly.”
The city council is asking everyone using one of the new surge testing sites to wear a face covering and follow social distancing.
Christina Gray, Director of Public Health at Bristol City Council and Sara Blackmore, Director of Public Health at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “We 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 particular mutation as quickly as possible.
"We are working together on a swift, safe and co-ordinated response, with an enhanced community testing offer available to people in and around areas where this variant has been discovered.
"This will 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.
"This additional action will enable closer monitoring and work to reduce further transmission of the virus.
“We expect the number of identified cases of the mutated Kent variant to increase as a greater scientific focus is put on actively searching for it.
“Whilst we know the Kent variant is more transmissible the 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 – hands, face, space. If you are invited to receive a vaccine, please do so.
“Further information about our enhanced community testing offer will be made available in coming days as we move quickly to respond. In the meantime, I urge everyone to continue doing the most you can to limit the spread of the virus to protect yourself and each other.”
