Home testing kits delivered in Walsall to track new strain
Coronavirus testing kits have been rolled out in Walsall in a bid to identify and curb the spread of the South African variant.
Health chiefs in the borough rolled out the tests to those in the WS2 postcode area – even residents without virus symptoms.
People over the age of 18, who are living or working in the area, are strongly encouraged to get tested due to the new strain.
Councillor Stephen Craddock, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “What I can advise at present is that there will be a minimum of one additional Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) in the borough. However we recognise that not everyone has access to a car and may feel anxious about using public transport, so the plan is to expand that offer as well as offering home testing kits, which come with clear instructions.
“We would very much appreciate the assistance of faith and other community leaders and trusted local voices in reaching our communities and encouraging them to get tested.”
Covid-19 testing units have been deployed in the area with home test kits offered by Walsall Council to ensure everyone is tested. It is hoped the move will suppress and control the spread of the pandemic, with positive tests set to be analysed by health bosses.
Stephen Gunther, director of public health in Walsall, said: “The more cases of the variant we find, the better chance we have at suppressing it. Please help to keep your community safe by getting tested so we can find the variant and protect you and your loved ones.
“There is currently no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness, or that the regulated vaccines would not protect against it, but research indicates that it does transmit from person to person more easily.”