‘Surge testing’ to take place across Bristol to deal with mutated virus

More than 20 areas across Bristol could soon be offered additional community testing due to the discovery of a mutated variant of the Covid-19 virus.

The so-called ‘surge testing in Bristol and South Gloucestershire will allow public health agencies to investigate cases and learn more about this mutated variant.

It also hopes act to help reduce the spread of infection by finding asymptomatic cases and prompting people to self-isolate.

The postcode sectors which Bristol City Council say are “in scope” to be offered additional community testing are:

• BS1 3
• BS2 0
• BS2 8
• BS2 9
• BS3 5
• BS4 4
• BS5 0
• BS5 6
• BS5 7
• BS6 5
• BS6 6
• BS8 2
• BS8 3 (only within Bristol City Council boundary)
• BS9 4
• BS14 0 (only within Bristol City Council boundary)
• BS14 9
• BS16 1
• BS16 2
• BS16 3
• BS16 5
• BS16 6
• BS16 7
• BS16 9
• BS37 8

A rapid testing centre in St Jude’s – photo: Martin Booth

The one-off testing will use PCR tests which are analysed in laboratories, with testing taking place over the next two weeks across the specific postcode areas listed above.

People living in these postcode areas will be able to get tested at three new test sites at Bristol & Bath Science Park in Emersons Green, on Wellington Road in St Jude’s and at Imperial Retail Park in Hartcliffe.

There will be more mobile testing units (MTUs), places where people can collect and return test kits, and the delivery of test kits to some homes.

In a joint statement, Christina Gray, director of public health at Bristol City Council and Sara Blackmore, director of public health at South Gloucestershire Council, said that they are “working together to put in place all appropriate steps to reduce the local rate of infection and identify and stem the spread of this particular mutation as quickly as possible”.

They said: “We are working together on a swift, safe and co-ordinated response, with an enhanced community testing offer available to people in and around areas where this variant has been discovered.

“This will be in addition to ongoing availability of testing if you have symptoms (please book through the national system) and regular rapid testing for essential workers. This additional action will enable closer monitoring and work to reduce further transmission of the virus.

“We expect the number of identified cases of the mutated Kent variant to increase as a greater scientific focus is put on actively searching for it.

“Whilst we know the Kent variant is more transmissible the advice remains the same to everyone. Behave as if you are carrying the virus, stay in and only leave the home if you must. Do not mix socially outside of your household and continue to observe public health guidance – hands, face, space. If you are invited to receive a vaccine, please do so.

“Further information about our enhanced community testing offer will be made available in coming days as we move quickly to respond. In the meantime, I urge everyone to continue doing the most you can to limit the spread of the virus to protect yourself and each other.”

Main photo: Dawson Steeplejacks

Read more: Health leaders’ response to ‘mutations of concern’ in Bristol