Testing is taking place in Worcester this weekend after the South African variant of Covid was found in the city.

Residents over the age of 18, who are living or working in the WR3 area of Worcester are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 test this week, even if they are not showing symptoms.

A statement issued on the Worcestershire County Council's website stated: "All cases are now self-isolating and robust contact tracing has taken place to trace their contacts and ask them to self-isolate.

"Working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace, every person living in the affected area over the age of 18 is strongly encouraged to take a PCR COVID-19 test as soon as possible, even if they are not showing symptoms.

"Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) will be deployed offering PCR testing and we are encouraging people to get tested in the area and will also be providing home test kits.

"There is currently no evidence to suggest this variant is more serious than others, or that the regulated vaccine would not protect against it.

"Testing will, in combination with measures such as hands, face and space and lockdown measures, help to suppress and control the spread of the virus, while enabling a better understanding of the new variant.

"If someone tests positive, they must self-isolate immediately and pass on details on their contacts to NHS Test and Trace.

"Residents over the age of 18, who are living or working in the WR3 area of Worcester are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 test this week, even if they are not showing symptoms.

"Testing over the weekend of Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February 2021 if you live within walking distance of The White Hart Pub on Droitwich road in Fernhill Heath, you can get a test between 8.00am and 4.00pm from Saturday this is for people with no symptoms, who can walk to the site, and are over 18 please book your test, you will need a booking confirmation to access the centre there is no car parking on site, so it is only for those who can reach it on foot other testing sites will be opening at the start of next week for other residents asked to be tested more information can be found on this page once these sites are confirmed.

"If you have any symptoms you should not go to the White Hart pub and should book a test."

All cases are now self-isolating and robust contact tracing has taken place to trace their contacts and ask them to self-isolate.

Working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace, every person living in the affected area over the age of 18 is strongly encouraged to take a PCR COVID-19 test as soon as possible, even if they are not showing symptoms.

Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) will be deployed offering PCR testing and we are encouraging people to get tested in the area and will also be providing home test kits.

There is currently no evidence to suggest this variant is more serious than others, or that the regulated vaccine would not protect against it.

Testing will, in combination with measures such as hands, face and space and lockdown measures, help to suppress and control the spread of the virus, while enabling a better understanding of the new variant.

If someone tests positive, they must self-isolate immediately and pass on details on their contacts to NHS Test and Trace.

Residents over the age of 18, who are living or working in the WR3 area of Worcester are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 test this week, even if they are not showing symptoms.

Testing over the weekend of Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February 2021

if you live within walking distance of The White Hart Pub on Droitwich road in Fernhill Heath, you can get a test between 8.00am and 4.00pm from Saturday this is for people with no symptoms, who can walk to the site, and are over 18

please book your test, you will need a booking confimation to access the centre

there is no car parking on site, so it is only for those who can reach it on foot

other testing sites will be opening at the start of next week for other residents asked to be tested more information can be found on this page once these sites are confirmed

If you have any symptoms you should not go to the White Hart pub and should book a test