Sandwell Council requested mass testing over Walsall and Birmingham Covid variant cases
Health bosses have asked for mass testing to be expanded to Sandwell after cases of the more contagious South African variant were found in neighbouring Walsall and Birmingham.
No cases of the variant have so far been found in Sandwell, but the council asked if surge testing would be possible in the area and was told it is not currently.
It comes after Walsall Council was informed of the positive case in the WS2 area on January 28 and Birmingham City Council said last week a number of cases were found.
Dr Lisa McNally, Sandwell’s director of public health, said failing to self-isolate when people need to could have fatal consequences.
“News of the new variant emerging in our region is a real concern," she said.
“Within 24 hours of hearing about the case in Walsall, our Public Health team put systems in place to help detect possible cases of the new variant in our area. We also established health protection processes aimed at quickly containing the new variant if and when we find it.
Proximity
“We have expressed an interest in having surge testing extended to Sandwell, given our proximity to Walsall and Birmingham, but have been advised this is not possible at this point in time.
“We are still learning about this new variant, but it’s already clear that it represents a very serious threat.
“The new variants of the virus mean that it’s more important than ever to self-isolate when we need to. We must self-isolate when we have Covid-19 symptoms, test positive, or have been in contact with an infected person. Failing to self-isolate can have fatal consequences for others, including family, friends or co-workers.
“Most people do self-isolate when instructed to. But a minority don’t, despite the fact that they could cause serious illness or death.
“This is why we need to protect ourselves and our families. We should stay home as much as we can. If we do need to leave home for work or essential shopping, we should stay at least 2m away from others, wear a face covering and keep washing our hands.”
Deputy Council Leader Councillor Maria Crompton added: “I would ask everyone to think of their loved ones and do all they can to prevent transmission of the virus. Self-isolating when we need to is absolutely essential to help protect others and save lives.”
