Surge testing is being carried out from today after a case of the Covid-19 South African variant was found in Isleworth.

People over 16 living or working around the Woodlands area are being urged to get tested after one person was found to have the variant.

Anyone working or living in the vicinity of Tesco in Osterley or around Isleworth train station is also urged to get a test.

Hounslow Council said: "Door-knockers carrying appropriate ID will be visiting approximately 2000 households from 4 May with home testing kits for residents living in these postcodes.

"For those who are not home at the time of visit, information on how residents can access PCR testing from Mobile Testing Units will be provided.

"The testing units will be at Isleworth train station and Tesco in Osterley from 4 May."

The government said the person was self-isolating and their contacts had been informed.

Surge testing in the area will be carried out for 10 days from Tuesday until 14 May.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said enhanced contact tracing will be used in the area to try to determine the route of transmission.

PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction) will be used as they can identify specific variants, whereas lateral flow tests are only able to detect if someone tests positive for coronavirus.

The DHSC said: "By using PCR testing, positive results can be sent for genomic sequencing at specialist laboratories, helping us to identify variant of concern cases and their spread.

"People with symptoms should book a free test online or by phone so they can get tested at a testing site or have a testing kit sent to them at home."

Director of Public Health for Hounslow, Kelly O'Neill, said: "The higher the testing uptake the more assured we can be that the variant is not spreading in our community."

The emergence of variants of the coronavirus is part of the way all viruses evolve.

There is currently no evidence to suggest that the vaccine offers less protection against the South Africa variant.

The council said there is no link between this case and other cases identified in London.

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