Everyone over the age of 16 who lives, works or studies in Formby, Sefton should take a COVID-19 PCR test.
Working in partnership with the local authority, NHS Test and Trace is providing additional testing and genomic sequencing targeted in Formby, Sefton. It follows the identification of confirmed cases of the variant first identified in India (B.1.617).
The confirmed cases have self-isolated and their contacts are being identified.
Everyone who lives, works or studies in the targeted areas is strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 PCR test, whether they are showing symptoms or not from Friday 14 May.
Enhanced contact tracing will be used for individuals testing positive with a variant of concern (VOC). This is where contact tracers look back over an extended period to determine the route of transmission.
By using PCR testing, positive results can be sent for genomic sequencing at specialist laboratories, helping us to identify VOC cases and their spread.
If you have symptoms you should book a free test online or by phone so you can be tested at a testing site or have a testing kit sent to your home. If you have no symptoms, you should visit the Sefton council website for more information.
People in this area should continue using twice-weekly rapid testing alongside the PCR test as part of surge testing.