Covid-19 South Africa variant testing begins in Southport amid 'shock'

Finding out the South Africa Covid-19 variant was identified in Southport caused "shock, concern and confusion", a councillor said.

A mobile testing unit has been set up in the town as urgent testing begins.

People within the PR9 postcode will join residents of other areas where the variant has been identified to take tests, regardless of symptoms.

Councillor Greg Myers, who was among those helping deliver 10,000 home test kits, said people were "reacting well".

Sefton Council said it was moving "swiftly" in an attempt to contain the new strain.

The mobile testing unit opened at the former Kew Park and Ride site at 08:00 GMT and people living in the Norwood area of the town are being prioritised.

About 200 residents had used the facility by 12:00.

Where possible the door-to-door team, including firefighters and council staff, will wait while people test themselves, then take the swabs to a collection area.

Mr Myers said people's first reaction was of "shock and concern" when they learned the South African variant had been identified.

But the mood had since turned "very calm" at the testing unit in Norwood, he said.

"People are reacting very well, there's no sort of hysteria or anything like that. It's all very measured and people are very grateful that the facility is here," he continued.

Results showing whether people have tested positive will come through in about two days and analysis of swabs to identify the presence of the variant will take up to 10 days.

Sefton's director of public health Margaret Jones told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the specific tests could "help nip this variant in the bud".

Mr Myers urged people to stick to the national restrictions.

"What I would say is, if before the idea was that you thought twice before making any journeys to make sure they were essential, well, think three times and make absolutely certain," he said.

Sefton Council's chief executive Dwayne Johnson congratulated his staff on Twitter for organising the testing in "48 hours".

He also warned people to watch out for bogus callers, saying door-to-door staff will have ID and will not ask for money.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs on Tuesday it was "critical" that people in areas singled out for enhanced testing for the variant stay at home.

Gene sequencing has so far uncovered 105 cases of the variant, which - like the variant previously discovered in Kent - is thought to be more contagious although not more deadly.

Eleven of the cases of the South African variant had no direct link to foreign travel, prompting concerns it is spreading in the community.

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