Covid: Surge testing to begin in Leeds after South Africa variant detected

Additional testing and genomic sequencing will be introduced in targeted areas in Leeds, including parts of Harehills and the area just north of Easterly Road. Credit: PA

Coronavirus surge testing will be deployed in Leeds after the South Africa variant was detected in the city.

Additional testing and genomic sequencing will be introduced in targeted areas in the Leeds postcode of LS8, including parts of Harehills and the area just north of Easterly Road.

The Department for Health and Social Care said people in the area are "strongly encouraged" to take a Covid-19 test when offered, whether they are showing symptoms or not.

Anyone with symptoms is advised to book a test in the usual way, and those without symptoms should visit their local authority website for more information.

What is surge testing?

Surge testing is increased and targeted coroanvirus testing used by the governmnet to try and detect new Covid-19 variants.

This includes door-to-door testing in some areas and enhanced contact tracing in specific locations in England.

It also involves testing people who do not have any symptoms.

Additional Covid testing will take place in Leeds after the South Africa variant was detected in the city. Credit: PA

Why is surge testing being used?

This is to identify different Covid-19 variants and mutations which cannot be traced back to international travel.

Other locations where surge testing is being used According to the government, additional surge testing is being carried out in the following local authority areas: London

  • London Borough of Ealing (specific areas in and near to the W7 postcode area)

  • London Borough of Haringey (specific areas in and near to the N17 postcode area)

  • London Borough of Merton (Pollards Hill)

  • London Borough of Lambeth (specific areas in the SE21 and SW16 postcodes)

North West

  • Metropolitan Borough of Sefton (specific areas in and near to the PR9 postcode)

  • Manchester City Council (specific areas in the following postcodes: M14, M15 and M16)

South East

  • Hampshire County Council (specific areas in the RG26 postcode)

South West

  • Bristol City Council (specific areas in the following postcodes: BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4, BS5, BS6, BS8, BS9, BS14 and BS16)

  • South Gloucestershire Council (specific areas in the following postcodes: BS16 and BS37)

West Midlands

  • Birmingham City Council (specific areas in and near to the B31 postcode)

  • Walsall Council (specific areas in and near to the WS2 postcode)

  • Worcestershire County Council (specific areas in and near to the WR3 postcode)

Yorkshire and the Humber

  • Middlesbrough Council (within parts of the TS7 and TS8 areas of Middlesbrough)