A single case of the South African variant of Covid-19 means surge testing will now be carried out in the Brentwood area, Essex County Council has announced.

In a statement issued today (Sunday, 21 February) a spokesperson said: "We are beginning surge testing (additional community testing for people who do not have any Covid-19 symptoms) in the CM13 area of Brentwood.

"This is on the advice of Public Health England. This follows the identification of a single case of the South African variant of Covid-19. Everyone who lives or works in any CM13 postcode is being advised to get a Covid-19 test.

"The testing will help us understand and limit any potential spread of the new variant within the local community. It is an approach that has successfully been used in other parts of the country to help supress the South African variant. We are working closely with Public Health England, NHS Test and Trace and Brentwood Borough Council to increase testing capacity in the area."

Every person aged 16 and over who lives or works in CM13 is being urged to take a Covid-19 test as soon as possible. There are different ways to get tested, and every household in the area will receive a letter this week explaining where and when they can get a test.

More information on surge testing and the variant can be found by visiting the Essex County Council website here.