EVERYONE over 16 living and working in the HP10 postcode area is being asked to take a Covid test regardless of whether they have symptoms following a confirmed case of the South African variant of the virus in Wooburn Green.
People living in specific HP10 post code areas in Wooburn Green and parts of Flackwell Heath are being sent home testing kits tomorrow (Thursday) as part of a Department for Health surge test to prevent the spread of the variant.
However the alert affects the entire HP10 postcode area which also includes Tylers Green, Loudwater, Wycombe Marsh and much of Penn.
A statement from Buckinghamshire Council late this afternoon said the person identified with the South African variant has self-isolated and is following recommended guidance.
The council added: “We have a team of volunteers made up of council staff and our partners who will be out in the Wooburn Green area and parts of Flackwell Heath over the next five to seven days delivering tests, door to door.”
Jane O’Grady, director of public health for Buckinghamshire, said: “The UK has one of the best genomic systems in the world which has allowed us to detect the variant originating in South Africa in the Wooburn Green area.
” I urge everyone offered a test to take it up to help us to monitor the virus in our communities and to help suppress and control the spread of this variant.
“The most important thing is that people 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 you must isolate to stop the spread of the virus.
Specific advice for people in the HP10 postcode area in Penn and Tylers Green is being sought and this blog will be updated tomorrow, Thursday.