Surge testing for South African variant deployed in four postcodes in east London

Surge testing has begun in east London

(Picture: REUTERS)

Surge testing has been deployed in four new postcodes in east London following an outbreak of the South African variant.

It comes after two new cases of the South African variant were discovered in Redbridge.

Testing will now begin across the IG1 and IG6 postcodes, and will take place in small areas of the IG5 and IG7 postcodes.

Everyone over the age of 11 in these areas is being urged to take a test to help prevent the spread of the new variant.

Enhanced contact tracing will be used on those who test positive.

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms is urged to stay at home and book a test online or by phone.

Surge testing has been deployed around the UK to combat the new variantsPA

Those without symptoms have been asked to visit the Redbridge Council website for more information.

The two outbreaks are not believed to be linked, the Department of Health said.

There are currently four variants of concern in the UKPA

There are currently four variants of concern in the UK.

These are the the South African variant, two different Kent variants, and the Brazilian variant (carries E484K).