Surge testing north of Bristol will continue for another week as health officials attempt to track down cases of the 'Brazil variant of concern'.
Two people living in South Gloucestershire tested positive for the new strain after returning from a trip aboard, It was confirmed last weekend.
During a Downing Street press conference, Matt Hancock said the pair isolated immediately and the risk to the public is 'low'.
Six people in total in Britain were found with the new Brazil variant. While experts where able to trace five of those cases, the sixth person still has not been reached.
Surge testing across our area started at the beginning of this week, and has now been extended until March 14.
A total of 3,806 people were tested at units in Stoke Gifford and Patchway and 8,828 kits had been collected from community collect and drop centres by the end of yesterday (March 3).
'Opportunity to stop the spread'
Sara Blackmore director of public health at South Gloucestershire Council said: “The response from the community to this additional testing has been welcomed, with large numbers of people coming forward.
"We hope by extending the programme to the same two-week period as we ran our first surge programme, and by reaching out directly to those who might not otherwise be able to take part, that everyone who is eligible in the target postcode areas will be encouraged and able to take a test.
“If we do identify any further positive tests early, particularly among those without symptoms, we have an opportunity to stop the spread of the virus.
"Additionally, every positive test result can be processed to examine the precise variant present, which adds to our scientific understanding of the virus and helps us to be even more effective in controlling it now and in the future.”
Mike Wade, Deputy Regional Director for Public Health England South West, said evidence so far suggests 'risk to the community is low' and the programme is only being extended as a 'precautionary control measure'.
He said: “The important thing to remember is that Covid-19, no matter what variant it is, spreads in the same way. That means the measures to stop it spreading do not change. Stay at home and if you do need to go out for essential reasons, cover your nose and mouth, wash your hands thoroughly and keep your distance.”
The two existing centre - in Stoke Gifford and Patchway - will remain in place, and five community-based collect and drop sites will also remain open.
The postcodes fall within the Bradley Stoke, Patchway and Little Stoke areas, and are different to those that were part of the community surge testing programme which took place between February 7 and 21, the council said.
The five postcodes are:
BS32 0
BS32 8
BS32 9
BS34 5
BS34 6
Those postcodes cover most of the homes and businesses in Bradley Stoke, Patchway, Little Stoke and over to Cribbs Causeway, down south as far as Patchway train station.
