Coronavirus surge testing is being rolled out in East Hampshire
Certain postcodes are being asked to get tested
Surge testing for coronavirus is now being rolled out in parts of East Hampshire.
A number of postcodes covering the Hart District, Rushmoor Borough, and the Surrey border are affected.
It is after a small number of Covid cases were confirmed to be of the variant first identified in India.
Anyone living or working in the following postcodes can book a test:
GU11
GU12
GU51
GU52
Hart District Council say the surge testing will take place for around two weeks.
Local residents without symptoms of COVID-19 over the age of 12, will be able to book a PCR test at one of four mobile testing units specially stationed in the area from tomorrow (Wednesday 26 May) to Wednesday, 9 June.
The following testing units will be open from 8am – 8pm, every day:
Hart District Council car park, Fleet – GU51 4AE
Napier Gardens, Farnborough - GU11 2JH
High Street multi-story car park, Wellington Avenue, Aldershot – GU11 1SD
The Camberley site below is open from 8am - 6pm every day:
Blackwater and Hawley Leisure Centre, Camberley – GU17 9BW
Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health at Hampshire County Council, said: “It’s important to stress that the number of cases of this particular variant in the north east of the county are low – and that those identified to date, have isolated appropriately, with their contacts traced and testing offered.
“Working closely with Public Health England, we are adopting a highly precautionary approach in Hampshire, acting fast to address outbreaks before they have a chance to spread.
“While we know this particular variant transmits quickly, and people may be worried, the good news is that there is currently nothing to suggest that people experience more severe illness as a consequence, or that the vaccines are any less effective against it.
“There is also much we can do to protect ourselves against all variants of COVID-19 - following the ‘hands-face-space-and let in fresh air’ guidance, making ‘test-record-repeat’ part of our weekly routine and getting vaccinated when it’s our turn.
“We are all enjoying the new freedoms, but we must remain cautious, and taking this action early, before the number of cases grows, is the right thing to do and one of the best ways to continue to protect our local population.”