Working in partnership with local authorities, additional surge testing and sequencing is being deployed to targeted areas, where coronavirus variants have been found.

People living in targeted areas, including Worcestershire WR3, an area in Sefton PR9, and areas in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, are strongly encouraged to take a coronavirus test this week, whether they are showing symptoms or not. People with symptoms should book a test in the usual way. People without symptoms should visit their local authority website for more information.

Surge testing in Kent ME15 which began on 1 February is now complete.

Surge testing is in addition to existing extensive testing, and in combination with following the lockdown rules and remembering hands-face-space, will help to monitor and suppress the spread of the virus. Positive cases will be sequenced for genomic data to help understand coronavirus variants and their spread within these areas.