Surge testing begins in Aylesbury after cluster of Indian Covid variant discovered

Following surveillance activity, a small number of cases of the variant first identified in India, have been found in the Kingsbrook area.

The people involved have self-isolated and followed all of the recommended guidance.

Buckinghamshire Council said: "We are asking all Kingsbrook residents, businesses and visitors in the HP22 7AA to HP22 7BP postcode areas (full list of postcodes show below) to undertake PCR testing so that we can help avoid the spread of this variant and understand whether it is spreading in our community.

"Testing will, in combination with measures such as hands-face-space-fresh air and current lockdown guidelines, help to suppress and control the spread of the virus, while enabling a better understanding of the new variant."

These PCR tests should be done even if people are not showing any symptoms, they have previously had COVID-19, or they have had a COVID-19 vaccination.

There are a number of Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) where people in the area can get the COVID-19 PCR test; they do not need an appointment – they can just turn up at:

Lidl Supermarket Car Park, 61 Oakfield Road, Aylesbury HP22 1GD: Thursday 13 May/Friday 14 May/Saturday 15 May from 9am to 5pm

Aktiva Nursery and Pre-School Car Park, Siding Road, Broughton, Bierton, Aylesbury HP22 7AY: Thursday 13 May/Friday 14 May/Saturday 15 May from 8.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.30pm

The Dog House Public House Car Park, Broughton Lane, Broughton, Bierton, Aylesbury HP22 5AL: Thursday 13 May/Friday 14 May from 8.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.30pm

Unit 3, Vale Retail Park, 658 Vale Park Drive, Aylesbury HP20 1DH: Thursday 13 May/ Friday 14 May/Saturday 15 May from 8am to 6.30pm - you can attend this site to collect a test or drop off a completed one.

The Council will also have a group of official volunteers knocking on doors in the Kingsbrook area on Saturday 15 May between 9.15am and 4.30pm to deliver tests to people who have not been able to attend a MTU.

Please note they will have official identification and do not need to enter your home, ask for money, or ask for any personal details.

Jane O’Grady Director of Public Health for Buckinghamshire said: “The UK has one of the best genome surveillance systems in the world which has allowed us to detect the variant first identified in India, here in the Kingsbrook, Aylesbury area.

"I urge everyone to come forward for a test to help us to monitor the virus in our communities and to help suppress and control the spread of this variant.

The most important thing is that people continue to follow the guidance that is in place – wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, keep your distance, cover your face. Please remember meeting outdoors is safer than indoors ; if you are meeting indoors make sure spaces are well ventilated. If you test positive, you must isolate to stop the spread of the virus.”

Full list of postcodes being tested:

HP22 7AA

HP22 7AB

HP22 7AD

HP22 7AE

HP22 7AF

HP22 7AG

HP22 7AH

HP22 7AJ

HP22 7AL

HP22 7AN

HP22 7AP

HP22 7AQ

HP22 7AR

HP22 7AS

HP22 7AT

HPSS 7AU

HP22 7AW

HP22 7AX

HP22 7AY

HP22 7AZ

HP22 7BA

HP22 7BB

HP22 7BD

HP22 7BE

HP22 7BF

HP22 7BG

HP22 7BH

HP22 7BJ

HP22 7BL

HP22 7BN

HP22 7BP

HP22 5AR