Almost 1,500 people in Sandwell tested in search for South African Covid-19 variant
Almost 1,500 people in Sandwell have been tested after a case of the South African variant of Covid-19 was discovered earlier this month.
Residents in Smethwick and Cape Hill have received targeted testing as health chiefs looked to see if there were more cases of the variant.
Sandwell Council chiefs thanked people for their response to the testing – and encouraged others to take part before testing ends on Sunday.
And people aged 16 or over without symptoms in specific streets within the B66 3 B66 4 and B67 6 postcodes have been urged to complete and return the PCR Covid-19 swab tests posted through their doors – or get tested urgently at the mobile testing unit behind Smethwick Council House.
Dr Lisa McNally, Sandwell’s director of public health, said: “Almost 1,500 people in Smethwick/Cape Hill have already played an important part in helping us to track the virus by taking part in these targeted tests.
"We want to thank the community for this vital support, and we would remind everyone living and working in these streets of the importance of taking up this offer of targeted testing.
"Infection rates have fallen but Covid-19 has not gone away and it is still a killer virus. We are strongly encouraging people to get tested straight away: your prompt support will enable us to monitor and control the variant."
People need to get a test even if they have received their Covid-19 vaccine, have previously had the virus or do regular rapid tests. People without symptoms can get a test at the mobile testing unit behind Smethwick Council House, on Smethwick High Street.
It is open from 8am to 3.45pm every day until the unit closes at 3.45pm on Sunday. There is no need to book and people can walk in or drive between those times.
Residents who have received a home testing kit – which hasn't been returned when the team returned to pick it up – have been urged to take it a drop-off collection point in the Smethwick/Cape Hill area by 3.45pm on May 2.
Visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/extratestingcollections for a full list of drop-off points and times, which include a number of community venues.
