People living in 24 BS postcode areas have been urged to take up the offer of coronavirus tests - even if they have no symptoms.
Health authorities announced the new two-week "surge testing" measure this evening (Saturday, February 6), targeting specific parts of Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
It is specifically in response the new coronavirus variant identified in the area earlier this week, when 11 were found to have a mutation known as E484K.
The full list of eligible postcodes can be found here, and details of three new test sites (listed below) have now been published.
In a statement issued this evening, the Department of Health and Social Care said: "Working in partnership with local authorities, additional surge testing and sequencing is being deployed to targeted areas around Worcestershire WR3, an area in Sefton PR9, and areas in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, where Covid-19 variants have been found.
"Surge testing is in addition to existing extensive testing, and in combination with following the lockdown rules and remembering hands-face-space, will help to monitor and suppress the spread of the virus.
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"Positive cases will be sequenced for genomic data to help understand Covid-19 variants and their spread within these areas."
The statement stressed testing is not just aimed at people experiencing symptoms.
It continued: "People living in targeted areas with these locations are strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 test this week, whether they are showing symptoms or not. People with symptoms should book a test in the usual way.
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"People without symptoms should visit their local authority website for more information. Council websites will be updated with more information as soon as it is available."
The Department said that testing in Kent ME15, which began on Monday, is now complete.
How to get tested
Three new mobile test centres will open at 9am tomorrow morning (Sunday, February 7), specifically for people without coronavirus symptoms to get tested.
Booking at this point will not be required, but a booking system will be rolled out from Tuesday.
Information on South Gloucestershire Council's website states: "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 new test sites are located at:
- Science Park, Driac Crescent, Emersons Green, BS16 7FR.
- Bristol City Council Rapid Testing Centre, 17-18 Wellington Road, BS2 9DA.
- Imperial Retail Park, Hartcliffe Way, BS13 7TJ.
People should wear a face covering and follow social distancing upon arrival, the council said.
Anyone with covid symptoms should use one of the existing test sites, not one of the three listed above.
Full details of the testing regime can be found here.
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