Surge testing to contain Covid-19 variant
Extensive surveillance of Covid-19 has identified a small number of cases of the Covid-19 Delta variant that was first found in India in Wokingham Borough, that cannot be traced back to international travel.
As such, surge testing will be deployed in the following council wards between Monday 7 June and Monday 21 June:
- Bulmershe and Whitegates
- Evendons
- Norreys
- Wescott
This will enable us to identify any community spread of the new variant and restrict further transmission.
To check what ward you live in and if you are affected, use the postcode checker on our surge testing webpage.
All cases are now self-isolating and we have conducted robust contact tracing to identify their contacts and ask them to self-isolate.
What happens next
We are urging residents over the age of 12 who are living, working, or going to school in these areas to come forward for a Covid-19 test between Monday 7 and Monday 21 June if they are not showing symptoms and even if they have already been vaccinated.
- From Monday, residents in these areas can get a Covid-19 test at one of our dedicated surge testing sites. You do not need to book. Information on where these sites are located is available on our website
- Schools and businesses in these areas will be contacted by the council to arrange delivery of testing kits for pupils and staff
- Reading Borough Council will also be conducting surge testing in targeted areas
- If you have coronavirus symptoms you should continue to book a test through the Gov.uk website or via the NHS Covid-19 app
Testing will, in combination with measures such as hands-face-space and fresh air, following national guidance, self-isolating when required and getting vaccinated when eligible, help to suppress and control the spread of the virus and new variants.
Please share with as many people as possible and visit our website and Facebook and Twitter pages for all the latest information.
How Covid-19 is affecting our services
Advice and help for local businesses during Covid-19
Public Health England and Department of Health and Social Care guidance
NHS England advice
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