South African variant of Covid-19 found in Southampton

The South African variant of Covid-19 has been identified in Southampton.

Officials say it can't be traced back to international travel.

The individual involved has self-isolated and full contact tracing has taken place.

Working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace, Southampton City Council is now asking every person aged 16 or over living in the SO15 5 postcode area to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test this week even if they are not showing symptoms. The PCR test involves taking a swab of the throat and nose.

As part of the exercise, a Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) will be deployed offering PCR testing, and the council and its partners will also issue and collect home test kits to some properties.

A letter will be delivered to the home test households on Wednesday 17 February and the council is aiming to deliver the testing kits on Thursday 18 February.

The aim of the targeted testing exercise is to help better understand and prevent the spread of new variants.

The risk of transmission from a single South-African variant case is considered to be very low.

There is currently no evidence to suggest this variant is more serious than others, or that the regulated vaccines will not protect against it.

Dr Debbie Chase, Director of Public Health at Southampton City Council said:

"Contact tracing of the individual has taken place and I would like to reassure people that there is no cause for alarm. However, it is important that people aged 16 or over in the identified area take a Covid-19 test as directed. While essential travel to work, school, and shopping can still take place in line with government guidance, I would urge everyone in the identified area, and indeed across the city, to stay at home where possible, limit your contact with others, and follow the hands, face, space guidance.”

Councillor Hammond, Leader of Southampton City Council said:

“I understand that this may be a cause for concern, but the city has responded amazingly to the pandemic and we now need to call on the support of residents in the identified postcode area to step up once more. This programme of targeted testing will help our health experts understand more about the spread of the South African variant and hopefully help us get out of lockdown measures as soon as possible.”

For more information, visit the Southampton City Council website by clicking here.

It comes as Hampshire County Council confirms that the local rapid testing programme in the Bramley area, near Basingstoke, is expected to begin tomorrow afternoon (17 February) and last through until Friday.

This follows identification of a single confirmed case of the South African variant in the area.

A team from the County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, along with local volunteers from the Red Cross and REACT, will visit some 2,000 properties over the course of the two days.