Rapid lateral flow tests to be deployed in South Tyneside in bid to stem rising Covid-19 infections

The borough is one of 17 new areas which will get the tests, joining 106 others which have signed up to the rapid community testing to be carried out this month and into January.

The latest daily figures, published yesterday by Public Health England (PHE), reported 92 new case across South Tyneside, while the weekly case rate showed that up to Wednesday, December 16, there were 312.6 cases per 100,000 people, with the total number of cases recorded in seven days up to Monday, December 14, reported as 472.

The previous week’s case rate stood at 275.5 per 100,000 people or 416 cases.

Quick-turnaround lateral flow tests will be used to help detect asymptomatic cases with the aim of slowing the spread of the virus in Tier 3 areas, with Newcastle, Sunderland, County Durham, Hartlepool, Gateshead, North Tyneside and Redcar and Cleveland also taking part.

PHE scientists at Porton Down have also confirmed lateral flow tests “successfully detected samples” with the new variant of Covid-19, which is spreading rapidly in London and South East England.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock urged people to take a test if they are offered one by public health teams.

He added: “I am pleased to confirm 17 more local authorities will soon be rolling out enhanced community testing programmes as part of our plan to pick up more cases, more quickly.

“Working together we will help areas where levels of the virus are highest to reduce their infection rates and break the chains of transmission.

“Roughly one in three people with coronavirus show no symptoms and so it’s essential we broaden testing to help identify those who are infected and infectious, unaware they may be spreading the disease.

“If you are offered community testing in your local area, I would strongly encourage you to take up this opportunity to get tested and protect your local community.”

The Government said targeted community testing of people with no symptoms will help identify positive cases more quickly and break chains of transmission, and is available for all local authorities in Tier 4, Tier 3, and in Tier 2 at risk of going into Tier 3, with authorities invited to submit applications.

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