A second localised ‘surge testing’ programme in Woking and the third operation in Surrey will get underway this week – in Maybury and surrounding areas after the identification of a case of the South African variant of coronavirus.

Test kits will be distributed door to door by staff and volunteers from Thursday.  A map of the selected area is available here.

The process will replicate that of previous surge testing in parts of Goldsworth, Knaphill and St John’s, whereby the exercise will be explained to residents on the doorstep before testing kits are then posted through the letterbox and then collected later that day.

Having had a briefing from Surrey’s Director of Public Health, I understand that this method of surge testing is vital in helping them find out the extend of any spread of the South African variant in the community.

If you are in the surge testing area, please play your part and take the test – you will be helping to keep your community and your loved ones safe. 

It is really important to say that there is currently no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness, so people should not worry.  Residents in the affected areas, and across Woking, should remain calm and continue to follow the national restrictions that are currently in place.