Telford and Wrekin Council
19 May 2021
Covid-19 Indian variant identified in Telford and Wrekin
A small number of cases with one of the Covid-19 Indian variant has been confirmed at Burton Borough School in Newport.
All cases have self-isolated and extended contact tracing has been taking place to identify their contacts and ask them to also self-isolate.
Public Health England has advised that, while the Covid-19 Indian variant is considered to be more transmissible, there is no firm evidence yet to show this variant has any greater impact on severity of disease or evades the vaccine.
As an extra precaution and to minimise the risk of the variant spreading in the community, the following groups are asked to get tested:
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As a priority - secondary-school aged children in Newport, staff at the schools and their extended families and support bubbles (from Burton Borough, Haberdashers' Adams Grammar and Newport Girls’ High School Academy) are urged to take a PCR Covid-19 test, even if they are not showing symptoms and even if the adults in the families have been vaccinated;
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Families with primary-school aged children in Newport as well as all other Newport residents are encouraged to get PCR tested as soon as they can.
A new testing centre is opening in Newport from today, 19 May (at Shuker Playing Fields, Sports and Social Club, Barnmeadow Road, TF10 7TP), to make it easier for people to get tested.
Opening times are Monday to Friday, 11am-6pm and 9am-3pm over the weekends. People can drop in between the opening times - no appointments needed, but queues may be possible so please plan ahead.
If it is more convenient, you can book an appointment at other PCR testing sites across the borough.
When completing the booking form, in the section “Why are you getting tested?”, please select the option “My local council or health protection team has asked me (or someone I live with) to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms.”
It's important to continue to play your part
With national concerns around Indian variant arising and with one of the Indian variants now being present in Telford and Wrekin as well, it’s more important than ever that we all continue to play our part so we can keep ourselves, our loved ones and local communities safe.
Please make sure you continue to:
- Get tested as a precaution twice a week, even if you don’t have symptoms.
- Get vaccinated as soon as you are offered the opportunity.
There is a high degree of confidence that the current Covid-19 vaccines will protect against the Indian variant.
- Follow the rules in place, even if you have been vaccinated – continue observing Hands-Face-Space and Fresh Air, wear a face covering indoor in public spaces.
If you're aged 36 or over, or if you turn 36 before 1 July 2021, you can now book your COVID-19 vaccine
You can also book your vaccination appointment if:
- You have a learning disability
- You are at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)
- You have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
- You are a carer - you get a Carer's Allowance or other support; your GP record shows you are a carer
- You are a frontline health or social care worker
If you are an eligible unpaid carer but you cannot book an appointment, speak to your GP.
Thank you to everyone who's had their vaccine so far!
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