Earlier today, it was announced that a localised ‘surge testing’ programme will be rolled out in parts of Goldsworth Park, Knaphill and St John’s following the identification of a specific variant of coronavirus.

Residents within the affected area – as shown on this map – will be visited, with the request that they carry out a covid test whether they have symptoms or not.  This will enable the authorities to closely monitor any community spread of the new variant, and restrict further transmission.

Before the announcement was made, I received a briefing from the Director of Public Health for Surrey, Ruth Hutchinson.  She is saying this is only a precautionary measure.

There is currently no evidence that this coronavirus variant causes more severe illness, or that the regulated vaccine would not protect against it.  Residents in the affected areas, and across Woking, should remain calm and continue to follow the national restrictions that are currently in place.

By staying at home, we can all help stop the spread of covid.  If you do need to leave your home for essential reasons please ensure to keep your distance, wash your hands and cover your nose and mouth.  If you test positive by any method, you must isolate to stop the spread of the virus.

Any residents who wish to authenticate and validate why this person is visiting them can contact the Surrey County Council Community Helpline on 0300 200 1008 or Woking Borough Council on 01483 755855. For more information about the surge testing programme, please see here.