South African variant of Covid-19 found along Norfolk/Suffolk border

Anglia
Coronavirus
Diss
Norfolk
Wednesday 17 February 2021 at 6:10pm

Watch a report by ITV News Anglia reporter Raveena Ghattaura

The government has confirmed that the highly transmissible South African variant of Covid-19 has been found along the Norfolk/Suffolk border. Cases have been found within the IP22 postcode area in the Diss area. Everyone in targeted areas of the postcode area is now being urged to get tested, even if they are not showing symptoms and mobile testing using will be set up from Friday.

Health official say there is currently no evidence to suggest this variant causes more serious illness than other variants.The Department for Health and Social Care is planning to begin offering tests to everyone over the age of 16 in Diss and Roydon.

They say that this type of targeted community testing will help to control and suppress the spread of the variant.

In a statement, Norfolk County Council said: "Extensive surveillance of Covid-19 has identified a very small number of cases of the Covid-19 variant first discovered in South Africa, in localities across England, including in the Diss area, that cannot be traced back to international travel.

"All cases are now self-isolating and robust contact tracing has taken place to trace their contacts and ask them to self-isolate."

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Everyone over the age of 16 in Diss and Roydon are being advised to get a Covid test even if they don't have symptoms Credit: ITV News Anglia

Dr Louise Smith, Norfolk's Director of Public Health, said: “We’ve been working with the DHSC and PHE on tracing cases of this variant, and have agreed a programme of local testing in the Diss and Roydon areas."

Everybody living in Diss and Roydon over the age of 16 is being strongly encouraged by NHS Test and Trace to take a PCR Covid-19 test this week, even if they are not showing symptoms.

Testing will begin on Friday 19 February. Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) will be deployed offering PCR testing, with local authorities encouraging people to get tested in the area by also providing home test kits who can’t get to an MTU.

Letters with details of the testing being made available are being sent to all households in the Diss and Roydon areas.

Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for NHS Test and Trace said: “We are ramping up testing in targeted areas, so we can gather more information and effectively monitor any further community transmission.”

Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “This testing is all about monitoring the situation, looking out for community transmission, and gathering the information needed to help us reduce the spread of this variant in Norfolk.

"We’ve written to residents in Diss and Roydon to offer tests to everyone, even those who are symptom-free, and I’d ask all the residents of the area to take the offered tests and help us understand where the virus is and what steps we can take to reduce transmission.”

Norfolk Director of Public Health, Dr Smith added: ““The most important thing is that people continue to follow the guidance that is in place – limit your number of contacts, wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, keep your distance and cover your face.

"If you test positive by any method, you must isolate to stop the spread of the virus.”

The extra surge testing in Diss is also being extended to the neighbouring village of Roydon Credit: ITV News Anglia

How to get a test in the IP22 areas of Diss and Roydon

Whether they have Covid symptoms or not, everyone aged 16+ who lives or works in the parishes of Diss and Roydon need to get tested in one of the following ways so their tests can be checked for the South African variant. Mobile Testing Unit Residents can book a test at the one of the following extra Mobile Testing Units at

Diss Youth and community Centre, (19 February - 25 February 09:00 – 15:00)
Roydon Community Centre (19 February - 04 March 12:00 – 18:00)
Diss Leisure Centre (19 February - 04 March 09:00 – 15:00)

To book a test residents should visit: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. Those who don’t have Covid symptoms should click ‘yes’ when asked ‘is the person who needs a test part of a trial or government project?’ and then select ‘taking part in community testing’. Those who do have Covid symptoms follow the instructions on the website and choose one of the Mobile Testing Units listed above and drive to the testing centre if they can. If a resident with Covid symptoms can’t arrive by car, they should call 01508 533 933 and a test will be dropped off at their home. Pick up and drop off a testing kit to take home From Friday 19 February, residents of Diss and Roydon can pick up and drop off a testing kit from the places listed below. No appointment is needed. Testing kits should not be returned in the post box.

Midwich Ltd, Vince's Rd, Diss IP22 4YT: 09.00 – 19.00, 19 February to 4 March
Outside Roydon White Hart / Roydon church: 09.00 – 19.00, 19 February to 4 March

Door to door testing If a resident is unable to get to a Mobile Testing Unit or collect a testing kit to take home, a test can be dropped at their door. Those who need support to carry out the test can call 01508 533 933, and a home visit can be arranged. To protect residents from the risk of scams, officers will wear a high visibility uniform with a very visible logo, PPE and visible identification. No one will ask residents for any payment of any kind or any bank details.

If in any doubt, residents can ask officials for identification or call 01508 533 933.