Testing for new South African variant begins in Norfolk

Watch a piece about testing for the new variant in South Norfolk by ITV Anglia's Raveena Ghattaura here.

Testing for the new South African variant of coronavirus has begun in a corner of South Norfolk.

Everyone over the age of sixteen living in Diss and Roydon is being offered PCR tests for Covid-19. 

People are strongly being encouraged to do so, even if they're not showing symptoms.  Extra mobile testing units are also opening.

The town council leader says it's a necessary step to get back to normality.

Tests are being carried out at Diss Leisure Centre where people like Euan Goodman were keen to get checked.

A small number of cases of the variant were found in the Diss and Roydon area earlier this week.

Letters have been sent out encouraging people to take a test - even if they are not showing symptoms. Three testing centres are in operation and door to door testing is also being carried out.

A necessary step to get back to some kind of normality. 

Councillors are pleased with the turnout they've had so far, with people queuing outside the testing centre at Roydon Village Hall.