Latest on the two variants of concern identified in Bristol area as coronavirus surge testing continues
This is the second week of testing for the Brazil Manaus variant in South Gloucestershire
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The search for asymptomatic cases of a coronavirus variant of concern is continuing in South Gloucestershire.
Covid-19: Brazil variant surge testing extended
Published
Surge testing in five postcode areas is to be extended for a further week.
Seven sites where people without symptoms can pick up and drop off Covid-19 tests were set up in South Gloucestershire this week.
It follows the discovery of two cases of the Brazilian variant of Covid-19 in one household in the area.
The scheme has been extended until March 14 to maximise the opportunity for those living in, working in or visiting the area to be tested.
South Gloucestershire Council said the uptake of the testing programme had so far been very good with 3,806 people attending the mobile testing units in Stoke Gifford and Patchway.
Around 30,000 people have been identified as being eligible for a test. In February, 20 per cent of those eligible for similar testing following the identification of the Bristol variant came forward. Sara Blackmore, director of public health at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “I want to thank everyone who has come forward for testing already and encourage all of those eligible in the target postcode areas to take part this week. “Testing is a key part of the Road Map that will take us out of Covid restrictions and our priority right now is to make sure that we also identify any cases of the Brazilian variant so that we can protect our residents.