Surge tests are expanding to parts of Lancashire after multiple cases of the Indian variant of the coronavirus are discovered.
Indian variant cases in the UK have more than doubled in a week, with 6,959 confirmed by Wednesday, an increase of 3,535 from 3,424 the previous week.
And up to three quarters of all new Covid infections registered in the country are caused by the Indian variant, revealed Matt Hancock on Thursday.
Experts warned last week that the Indian variant could fuel a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.
France and Germany are so concerned about the variant known as B1617.2 that they have tightened restrictions on visitors from the UK.
People who live, study, and work in areas such as Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn, and Rossendale are urged to have a PCR test even if they have no symptoms.
NHS Test and Trace is working with local authorities to introduce additional testing and genome sequencing in these areas, the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSC) said.
Colleges and universities have additional mobile test units and Covid-19 tests, while door-to-door tests are also used to find and isolate cases.
Scientists have previously warned that surge tests can only be effective if people observe restrictions and isolate the contacts of those who test positive as well.
People who test positive for the Indian variant are supposed to self-isolate and their contacts will be identified, health officials say.
The councils will “shortly” identify the areas where additional testing is being offered in their districts and will contact residents directly to ensure people come forward for testing, they added.
In addition to stepping up testing in the Lancashire counties, those who test positive for a variant of concern will be using “extended contact tracking,” which involves tracers looking back over time to determine routes of transmission.
People with symptoms can book free tests online or by phone, while people without symptoms are encouraged to visit their community’s website for more information.
The DHSC said, “The government and its scientific experts are closely monitoring the evolving situation and variant rates and we will not hesitate to take additional action if necessary.”
Public Health England said the areas hardest hit by the Indian variant of the coronavirus are still Bolton, Bedford and Blackburn with Darwen, which have recorded 1,354, 366 and 361 confirmed cases, respectively.
Surge tests were launched at Bolton in March after a case of the South African variant of Covid-19 was discovered.
Seven other areas in England also have more than 100 confirmed cases of the Indian variant: Leicester (197), Sefton (175), Nottingham (158), Wigan (113), Central Bedfordshire (109), Manchester (105) and Hillingdon (102 ), PHE added.
