Surge testing deployed in Kingston to combat Delta variant
Surge testing has begun in Kingston today to combat rising cases of the Delta variant, with those older than 11 advised to get tested even without symptoms.
NHS Test and Trace has teamed up with local authorities to launch the additional testing and genomic sequencing in the area.
A small number of confirmed cases of the Delta variant, also known as B1.617.2, have been found in Kingston, but all confirmed cases have been told to self-isolate.
People aged 11 and over who live or work in Kingston are ‘strongly encouraged’ to take a Covid-19 PCR test, the government said, despite not showing symptoms.
Enhanced contact tracing has been used for those who test positive with the Delta variant, as it is a ‘variant of concern’.
Contact tracers are therefore looking even further back along contacts to try and map out the route of transmission.
The government has advised those living in and around Kingston to make use of the free twice-weekly rapid tests, also known as lateral flow testing, alongside the PCR test as part of the testing surge.