Extra testing after case of South African Covid-19 variant found in Middlesbrough

Testing is now underway at the Parkway Centre in Coulby Newham in response to a case of the South Africa coronavirus variant being found in Middlesbrough. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

A case of the Covid-19 variant first discovered in South Africa has been reported in Middlesbrough.

The positive case is linked to the Marton and Coulby Newham areas. It was identified as part of random sequencing by Public Health England. Enhanced contact tracing has taken place and there are no obvious links to international travel.

Middlesbrough Council is setting up an additional test centre at the Parkway Centre in Coulby Newham.

Anyone aged over 16, who lives in and around Marton and Coulby Newham, or regularly visits the Parkway Centre, is encouraged to come forward for a test.

How do I get tested?

The test site in car park 2, opposite KFC on Dalby Way, TS8 0TW, will be open from 9am until 3pm from Saturday February 13.

There is no requirement to book in advance.

All positive tests will be analysed to identify any further spread of the South African variant.

There is currently no evidence to suggest the South African variant is more serious than others.

Extra testing, in combination with national lockdown measures, will help to control the spread of the virus and increase understanding of the new variant. 

Other testing in Middlesbrough:

  • Cannon Park (Drive-through, 8am-8pm, seven days a week)

  • Teesside University Printworks car park, Woodlands Road (Walk-through, 8am-8pm, seven days a week)

  • Ormesby Road, Pallister Park (Walk-through, 8am-8pm, seven days a week)

  • Viewley Centre car park, Hemlington (Drive-through, Monday - Tuesday, 9am-3pm)

  • Cargo Fleet Lane (Drive-through currently Wednesday - Sunday, 9am-3pm).

Credit: PA

As of Friday February 5, the town's infection rate was 319 per 100,000 of population. It peaked at 676 on January 5.Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said it is "really important" to establish whether the variant has spread further around the town.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen is urging people from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool not to be overly alarmed by the outbreak, but says it is more important than ever for people to follow the rules.

The Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, said earlier in January it is possible the South African coronavirus variant may have some effect on vaccine effectiveness but is unlikely to “abolish” their effect.

He said that a possible change in the virus shape in the variant “theoretically gives it a bit more risk of not being recognised” by the immune system.

The new variant emerged in the Eastern Cape of South Africa Credit: PA

Community testing in Middlesbrough:

In addition to testing for those with symptoms, Middlesbrough Council is currently offering free rapid tests for people without symptoms. This testing is particularly aimed at those who can't work from home and therefore come into contact with more people.

One in three people with Covid-19 do not display symptoms. Community testing can help find more people who are infected to help to stop the spread.

Testing is available at Middlesbrough Sports Village Wednesday - Sunday.

Community sites for those without symptoms will also open at North Ormesby Hub (from February 15) and Newport Hub (from February 16).

Community tests can be booked via www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/communitytesting.