Surge testing to be deployed in targeted areas in Harrow
The government is taking swift and decisive action by deploying extra testing to Harrow to control and suppress any possible new cases of the COVID-19 variant first identified in South Africa.
Working in partnership with the local authority, additional testing and genomic sequencing is being deployed in targeted areas within South Harrow, where 1 case of the COVID-19 variant first identified in South Africa has been found.
Testing will start on 1 April.
Enhanced contact tracing is 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. Positive cases will be sequenced for genomic data to help increase our understanding of COVID-19 variants and their spread within these areas.
Individuals working within this targeted area are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 test when offered, whether they are showing symptoms or not.
People with symptoms should book a free test online or by phone so they can get tested at a testing site or have a testing kit sent to them at home. Those without symptoms should visit the local authority website for more information.