Mass testing underway in Pleck after second case of South African variant identified
Volunteers were out in force as mass testing got underway in an area of Walsall where a positive case of the South African variant was found.
Door-to-door testing is getting underway this week in the Pleck area – where a case of the variant was confirmed last week.
The Pleck case is the second time the variant has been found in Walsall and is not linked to the original WS2 case or to international travel.
Further targeted testing is now getting underway, concentrated on specific parts of the Pleck area, in a bid to track any further cases.
Colleagues from West Midlands Fire Service joined Walsall Council staff as they began testing on Thursday.
Councillor Stephen Craddock, Walsall Council's portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “The enhanced testing exercise in Pleck has got off to a good start, with the team applying lessons learned from the first enhanced testing exercise to improve operations.
"This is a real community effort and we all appreciate the support of residents in the area concerned as well as volunteers.
“I would like to personally thank the West Midlands Fire Service officers who have volunteered to help with this exercise – this is partnership working at its finest and these officers are putting their boots on the ground to try to keep safe the communities they serve and protect.
“Please do take up the offer to be tested – you really could save lives.
“The Manor Hospital is not within the area of enhanced testing and continues to be a safe place to visit for essential medical appointments and vaccinations.”
Station commander Leon Henry, who coordinated the involvement of West Midlands Fire Service, added: "We have been determined to play whatever part we can, with our partners, to support our communities and limit the spread of Covid-19.
"We are proud to be able to work with the council to support the testing exercise in Pleck and help keep residents safe.
"It's the latest example of our staff being ready, willing and able to do whatever they can - from delivering thousands of food parcels, to training to be vaccinators."
