Surge testing is to be introduced for thousands of people in areas around Manchester after a Covid-19 variant was found.
It comes after four people from two unconnected households were found to be infected with the Kent mutation, Manchester City Council said.
Extra testing sites will be set up, and volunteers will be offering doorstep swabs to anyone aged over 16 who is living, working or studying in the areas.
Those who have been vaccinated should also take a test, the council says.
The affected areas include postcodes in Hulme, Moss Side, Whalley Range and Fallowfield.
The Department of Health & Social Care said the areas targeted for additional testing would be:
- M14 4,
- M14 7,
- M15 5,
- M15 6,
- M16 7
- and M16 8.
The DHSC said: “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.
"Positive cases will be sequenced for genomic data to help understand Covid-19 variants and their spread within these areas.
“People living in this targeted area within 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.”
Around 10,000 extra tests will be rolled out in the region from Tuesday.
The move comes in the wake of similar surges in testing in Worcestershire WR3, an area in Sefton PR9, and areas in Bristol and south Gloucestershire after variants were found.
The rollout will use PCR swabs.
These take a few days to return results, and anyone who tests positive will be asked to self-isolate and pass on details of their contacts to NHS Test and Trace.
Manchester City Council has revealed it is working with Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace to investigate the spread further and take action to limit the number of people exposed.
David Regan, public health director at Manchester City Council, said: “We all know that the virus will change over time and it’s important that we investigate new strains to understand how they might spread.
“This is exactly what we’re doing with the intensive testing in parts of Manchester, with local testing units and people going door to door to offer people tests.”
Those living or working in the postcode areas should check the council’s website for more information.
