SURGE testing for coronavirus will be taking place in Northwich and Winsford after an increase in Delta variant cases.

NHS Test and Trace commenced testing and genomic sequencing known as ‘surge testing’ yesterday, Thursday, to support measures already put in place by the council.

All adults living or working in Northwich and Winsford are strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 PCR test, whether they are showing symptoms or not and regardless of whether they have had the Covid-19 vaccine.

Although residents without symptoms should still be using LFT testing kits twice a week, PCR tests have a higher accuracy rate.

Positive results are sent for genomic sequencing at specialist laboratories to help identify Covid-19 cases with a Variant Of Concern (VOC) and prevent their spread.

Surge testing also brings enhanced contact tracing and wastewater analysis.

This is where contact tracers look back over an extended period to determine the route of transmission, and monitor the health status of an entire community.

All adult residents in Northwich and Winsford should book in for a PCR test at gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test and select ‘my local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms‘, or by calling 119.

Residents are reminded that they should continue to make use of free twice-weekly rapid tests, commonly known as lateral flow tests (LFTs), alongside the PCR test as part of surge testing.

In Northwich, PCR test appointments can be booked at the Local Testing Site at The Old Depot in Leicester Street, or at the Mobile Testing Unit currently located at Cumberland car park in Leicester Street.

In Winsford, tests can be booked for the Local Testing Site in Queensway or at the Mobile Testing Unit in the car park at Winsford Academy.

PCR test kit collection is also available from a pop-up collection site at Road Three, Winsford, today, Friday, until 4.30pm.

No appointment is necessary at this site and no-symptoms LFT home test kits can also be collected at the same time.

Further LFT test kits and walk-in tests are available at The Dingle Centre in Winsford, and test kits can also be collected from Northwich Library and at participating pharmacies.

Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: "We all play our part in beating this horrible virus and so I would urge every adult resident in Northwich and Winsford to get a PCR test.

"It is easy and it is quick. Keep home testing with the LFT kits twice a week too and of course get a vaccine as soon as you are eligible.

"By us all working together and by observing the basic rules, 'Hands, Face, Space' and fresh air we can stop and control the spread."