Third Surge-Test for Covid Variant to Start in Woking

Published on: 17 Feb, 2021
Updated on: 20 Feb, 2021

The Woking Borough Council map showing the testing area in Maybury

Surrey’s third surge-testing operation starts this week in Woking’s Maybury and surrounding area after another case of the South African variant of Covid-19 was detected.

This will be done by the Surrey Local Resilience Forum (SLRF), their third such operation after two in a different area of Woking, and Runnymede over the past two weeks.

Starting Thursday, test kits will be distributed door to door by SLRF volunteers, largely from Woking Borough Council.

The exercise will be explained to residents on the doorstep then testing kits are posted through the letterbox and then collected later that day.

A map of the selected area, and more information, is available at www.surreycc.gov.uk/surgetesting.

Both previous exercises were successful, with more than 90% of tests completed and returned.

Ruth Hutchinson, Surrey director of public health, said: “This method of surge-testing is vital in helping us understand any spread of the South African variant in the community.

“By taking the test, you’ll be helping to keep your community and your loved ones safe. Our previous two surge testing operations have gone smoothly, with residents keen to do anything they can to help.

“There is no evidence this variant causes more severe illness, so residents shouldn’t worry.”

Residents in the affected areas, and across Woking, should remain calm and continue to follow the national restrictions.

Staying at home helps stop the spread. Anyone who needs to leave home for essential reasons should keep their distance, wash hands frequently and cover nose and mouth. Those who test positive by any method, must isolate to stop the spread of the virus.

The SLRF has been working on the Covid response for Surrey since March 2020 and is made up of local partners including Surrey County Council, Surrey Police, district and borough councils, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, Public Health England, local health services, volunteer organisations and others.

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