Coronavirus: Surge testing in Ruislip after South African variant found

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Hillingdon Council will be offering tests at two sites in the affected areas

Surge testing is taking place in parts of west London after a case of the South African Covid variant was found.

People living in Ruislip are being encouraged to get themselves tested to prevent the mutant strain spreading further.

Testing will be carried out in the HA4 postcode area of the London borough of Hillingdon.

The government said the person who tested positive had self-isolated and their contacts had been notified.

Tests will be offered at two sites in the affected areas - South Ruislip Young People's Centre and Haste Hill Golf Course - for anyone aged over 16 that does not have symptoms.

Those with symptoms should book a test online or call 119 to arrange one.

A statement said: "This case cannot be traced back to international travel, and the infected person has completed self-isolation in line with government guidance.

"Robust contact tracing has taken place to trace their contacts and ask them to self-isolate.

"There is currently no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness, or that the regulated vaccine would not protect against it."