Indian Covid variant: Aylesbury residents tested

Residents in Aylesbury have been targeted for Covid testing after cases of the India variant were found in the area.

Testing kits have been delivered to homes in the Kingsbrook area and collected by Buckinghamshire County Council volunteers in a bid to suppress and control the virus.

A number of mobile testing stations have also been set up in the area. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already warned that the strain, one of three mutations causing the devastating epidemic in India, is “of increasing concern here in the UK”.

A spokesman for Buckinghamshire Council said: "We are asking all Kingsbrook residents, businesses and visitors in the HP22 7AA to HP22 7BP postcode areas to undertake PCR testing so that we can help avoid the spread of this variant and understand whether it is spreading in our community.

"Testing will, in combination with measures such as hands-face-space-fresh air and current lockdown guidelines, help to suppress and control the spread of the virus, while enabling a better understanding of the new variant."

There are a number of Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) where people in the area can get the COVID-19 PCR test; they do not need an appointment – they can just turn up at:

  • Lidl Supermarket Car Park, 61 Oakfield Road, Aylesbury HP22 1GD: Thursday 13 May/Friday 14 May/Saturday 15 May from 9am to 5pm

  • Aktiva Nursery and Pre-School Car Park, Siding Road, Broughton, Bierton, Aylesbury HP22 7AY: Thursday 13 May/Friday 14 May/Saturday 15 May from 8.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.30pm

  • The Dog House Public House Car Park, Broughton Lane, Broughton, Bierton, Aylesbury HP22 5AL: Thursday 13 May/Friday 14 May from 8.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.30pm