Surge testing will take place in the North East after the South African variant was found in the region.
Surge testing is being targeted in TS19 postcode area in Stockton-on-Tees, in County Durham and in the North Wembley area of Brent, in north London.
A statement released by the Department of Health and Social Care 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.”
What is the South Africa variant of coronavirus?
The South Africa variant is a strain of Covid-19. The strain carries the E484K mutation which experts suggest may be better at evading the human immune response. That means anyone who may have increased immunity to earlier strains may not have the same level of protection from the South Africa strain.
Public Health England states : "Laboratory tests have shown that the E484K mutation may be able to escape the body’s antibodies to some extent and is therefore of potential public health concern, so it’s one we’re monitoring closely. All cases with this mutation are currently being followed-up closely and monitored in the UK."
Click here for more information on the South African variant of Covid-19.
