Surge testing rolled out in two more UK towns after Indian Covid variant detected

Surge testing is being rolled out in two towns after new cases of the Indian variant were confirmed.

Residents of Northwich and Winsford, in Cheshire, are being urged to get tested as local health authorities work to track down and stamp out the strain

Cheshire West and Chester Council said there had been a "large increase" in the number of Covid cases in the two towns over the past seven days, reports Cheshire Live.

The authority confirmed this was "more likely" to be a result of the 'Delta' variant B.1.671.2 first identified in India, and drew a potential link between the increases in cases to outbreaks at local schools and businesses.

The town of Winsford in West Cheshire is being targeted by surge testing (Alamy Stock Photo)

It comes after The Quayside pub in Northwich was forced to close its doors after the weekend of May 22.

Winsford Academy also confirmed an increase of cases among the school community.

A spokesperson for Cheshire West and Chester Council said the authority is now encouraging all residents in Winsford and Northwich to book a PCR test in a bid to reduce the spread of the virus.

Residents of Northwich town centre, Cheshire, are also being urged to undergo surge testing (Alamy Stock Photo)

They said: "Over the past seven days we have seen a large increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 resulting in a number of outbreaks in businesses and schools.

"Similar to the North West, the current increase in the number of new cases are more likely to belong to the Variant B.1.671.2 (Delta variant) which is more transmissible than other previous variants.

"To reduce the spread of the virus, and understand the extent of spread , Cheshire West and Chester Council Public Health Team are now advising all residents in Northwich and Winsford to book a PCR test whether they have symptoms or not.

People in Northwich are also being urged to get their vaccine appointments booked as soon as they're eligible (Alamy Stock Photo)

"It is extremely important that everyone in this local community gets tested, so that prompt public health actions can be implemented to prevent outbreaks and the impact on the local population and economy.

"It is also important for schools to continue twice weekly testing with LFT to prevent spread in schools and avoid school disruption."

People in surge testing areas are being urged to book a test online here, and select the option ‘my local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test even though I do not have symptoms,‘ or by calling 119.

The council is also encouraging anyone who is eligible for their first vaccine to book their appointment here.

Anyone due for their second dose has also been asked to take up the offer as soon as possible.