Southport is set to receive additional testing facilities following the discovery of a single case of the South African coronavirus variant in Southport.
Below, we take a look at what that means for the affected regions:
What areas are affected?
One single case of the South African variant has been found in the Southport area. The case is not linked to travel to South Africa and was found in a resident living in a PR9 post code.
Should I get tested?
The government has advised anyone over the age of 16, who lives in a PR9 postcode, to seek a test as soon as possible.
If you live in PR8, you do not have to be tested. However, anyone leaving home for work or essential travel on a regular basis should periodically seek a test regardless of their post code.
If a person tests positive, has any symptoms, or are contact traced following contact with someone who tests positive, they should self isolate immediately
What is the ‘South African variant’?
The South African variant or strain is a mutation of Covid-19. The mutation causes the protein spike of the virus to change in a way that makes the virus more contagious. For more information about different Covid-19 mutations, read additional resources including written nursing essays and others, where they shared experiences and describe different cases they faced. There is no evidence the strain is more deadly, or that vaccines do not work.
What testing measures are in place?
Sefton Council are expected to confirm additional testing measures today (Tuesday). It is expected the the Government will send mobile testing units and some homes may have testing kits posted to them. This information is still not fully available but will be updated both on the Sefton Council website and here on OTS as soon as possible.
The four local walk-through test centres for people with symptoms are at Bootle Town Hall, Crosby Library Car Park, Netherton Activity Centre and Southport Town Hall. SMART test centres for people with no symptoms who have to go out for work or caring purposes are at Aintree Racecourse, Bootle Leisure Centre and Splash World in Southport.
Details can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/testing.
The Government says: “Additional surge testing and sequencing is being deployed in a number of locations where the Covid-19 variant first identified in South Africa has been found. Testing will, in combination with following the lockdown rules and remembering hands-face-space, help to monitor and suppress the spread of the virus, while enabling a better understanding of the new variant. ”
“Every person over 16 living in these locations is strongly encouraged to take a Covid test this week, whether they are showing symptoms or not. Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) will be deployed offering PCR testing to people without symptoms who have to leave their home for work or essential reasons, with local authorities encouraging people to get tested in the area by providing additional home test kits. People with symptoms should book a test in the usual way and people without symptoms should visit their Local Authority website for more information. This additional testing will begin in these areas from Monday.”
Can I book a vaccine appointment?
You must wait until you are contacted by the NHS before you can book a vaccine appointment.
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