Local restrictions may have to be imposed in London if surge testing fails to stop the spread of the Covid South African variant, a leading disease expert has warned.
Professor John Edmunds, epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said it was not clear whether “surge testing” of thousands of people in the capital will stop cases growing.
Two more London boroughs have been taking part in surge testing today after new cases of the strain were found in both areas.
People living in “targeted areas” within the SE16 postcode in Southwark and N3 postcode in Barnet have all been urged to get tested.
It comes as the Equality and Human Rights Commission warned Covid status certificates to prove who is vaccinated could help to ease restrictions but could create a “two-tier society whereby only certain groups are able to fully enjoy their rights”.
