MASS Covid testing is being rolled out in Sandwell following a confirmed case of the South African Covid variant.

Working in partnership with local authorities, NHS Test and Trace is providing additional testing within B66 3, B66 4 and B67 6 postcode areas in Smethwick/Cape Hill, Sandwell and Ladywood, Jewellery Quarter and Soho wards in Birmingham.

Everyone aged 16 years and over who lives or works in the Sandwell and Birmingham postcodes listed are being encouraged to take a COVID-19 PCR test, whether they are showing symptoms or not.

Enhanced contact tracing will be used for individuals testing positive with a variant of concern. This is where contact tracers look back over an extended period in order to determine the route of transmission.

The confirmed case of the South African variant is self-isolating and their contacts have been identified.

Dr Lisa McNally, Sandwell’s director of public health, said: “Sandwell has seen a remarkable fall in infection rates in recent weeks – one of the fastest in the country.

“But the emergence of this new variant is a concern and reminds us that we still have work to do.

“We are making additional, targeted testing easily available in these specific areas, so we can monitor and control this new variant.

“We are strongly encouraging people to get tested even if they don’t have symptoms.”

Dr McNally added: “The more cases of the variant we can find, the better chance we have of suppressing it.

“If you are asked to be tested please, please do take up the offer, it’s quick easy and painless and you’ll be saving lives by doing so.

“Please help to keep your community safe by getting tested so we can protect you and your loved ones.”

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.

People should also continue using twice-weekly rapid testing alongside the PCR test as part of surge testing.