FOUR key areas in Wokingham have been indentified for surge coronavirus testing after cases of the Indian variant have risen. 

A statement published by the Wokingham Borough Council on May 28 revealed that a total of 15 residents have been identified as having the highly-transmissible variant, causing the council to deploy surge testing.

From June 7 to June 21, residents in Bulmershe and Whitegates, Evendons, Norreys, and Wescott wards will be surge tested.

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All cases are now self-isolating and the council has conducted robust contact tracing to identify their contacts and ask them to self-isolate, the council announced earlier today (June 4).

Residents over the age of 12 who are living, working, or going to school in these areas have been urged to come forward for a Covid-19 test over the next 14 days, provided they are not showing symptoms and even if they have been vaccinated.

This can be done by getting a Covid-19 test at one of the numerous walk-in testing sites in the borough, and schools and businesses in the affected areas will be contacted to arrange delivery of testing kits for pupils and staff.

Reading Borough Council has also agreed to conduct surge testing in targeted areas, making it easier for Bulmershe and Whitegates residents to get tested.

To find out which Wokingham Council ward you are in, click here. 

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Meradin Peachey, Director of Public Health for Berkshire West said: “We have been monitoring the situation very closely and now need residents in these areas to come forward for a test. You should do this even if you’ve had the Covid-19 vaccine as you can still catch and spread the virus. 

"Infection rates are rising across the borough and this variant is much more transmissible. The more cases we find, the better chance we have at suppressing it.

“Please help to keep your community and loved ones safe by getting tested. You should also continue to follow the guidance that is in place – limit your number of contacts, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, keep your distance and cover your face. 

"If you test positive by any method, you must isolate to stop the spread of the virus. If you have been in close contact with someone who tests positive you must also self-isolate.”

For further details visit the Wokingham Borough Council website.