Surge testing for South Africa variant now completed in Southport Kate Lally Surge testing to “understand” the spread of the South African variant of Covid-19 in Merseyside has now been completed. Tests were taking place in Norwood, Cambridge and Dukes wards, with door-to-door testing kits being delivered, as well as dedicated mobile testing sites being set up. As the city region waits to hear details on the way out of lockdown, Sefton Council has today said sufficient testing for the variant has now taken place. No further testing will be carried out after the test centre at Southport Theatre and Convention Centre closes at 6.30pm tonight (Monday).