The council and Public Health England have issued a joint statement on surge testing for the Indian virus variant in the borough of Hounslow.

It was announced by the Secretary of State that surge testing and increased vaccination will be taking place in the London Borough of Hounslow to help tackle the variant of concern first identified in India.

Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director for Public Health England, said:

"In London, we are continuing with measures to contain cases of the variant of concern first identified in India which have been detected throughout the city, including targeted testing and enhanced contact tracing.

"Rates of COVID-19 in London are low overall but we are continuously assessing local situations and will act early and decisively where necessary. As part of the latest review, surge testing and increased vaccination is being mobilised in Hounslow to help us track the spread of this variant, reduce the risk of further transmission and get vaccine protection to more residents, more quickly.

"But we need everyone to help out by coming forward for testing when asked, taking up the vaccine if eligible and sticking to the basics of Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air, especially as we get out and about in London."

Hounslow's Director of Public Health, Kelly O'Neill, said: "More than 130,000 Hounslow residents (approximately 48% of the total population) have been vaccinated since December, but we cannot be complacent, and we know there is still a large number of eligible adults in the borough who have yet to be vaccinated.

"We are doing everything we can to protect our residents and that is why we welcome this announcement of additional resources to vaccinate all remaining eligible adults in our borough.

"There is no immediate cause for serious concern, but equally this is not a time for complacency. This commitment to vaccination in Hounslow comes in addition to the significant vaccination and testing work already being done by the Council and our NHS colleagues right across the borough.

"If we are to prevent further infection rate rises, we need all residents to become part of the solution and get vaccinated. Importantly, we want to reach out again to those who, for whatever reason, have not yet been vaccinated. We are here to answer any questions you may have and to support you in any way we can.

"We are waiting for detailed final plans to be agreed by all parties and will move to make those operational as soon as possible in the coming days."

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