Surge testing is to be carried out in two more areas where the South African variant of coronavirus has been found.
The Department of Health has announced that an area of London and an area of County Durham will be targeted.
The testing and genomic sequencing will be targeted in the North Wembley area of Brent, north London, and the TS19 postcode area in Stockton-on-Tees, in County Durham.
A statement from the department said: “The increased testing is being introduced in addition to existing extensive testing and, in combination with the public following current lockdown rules and Hands Face Space advice, will help to monitor and suppress the spread of the virus.
"Positive cases will be sequenced for genomic data to help increase our understanding of Covid-19 variants and their spread within these areas.
“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 in order to determine the route of transmission.
“People living within the targeted areas are strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 test when offered, whether they are showing symptoms or not.”
