No surge Covid testing to take place in Sunderland despite cases of the Indian variant being detected
and live on Freeview channel 276
The local authority confirmed on Wednesday, May 26, that a “very small number” of cases of the Indian Covid variant have been recorded in Sunderland, however the council would not give an exact amount.
Public Health bosses in the city have said that all the affected cases are currently self-isolating and that Covid guidance is being followed where necessary.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdGerry Taylor, the Executive Director of Public Health and Integrated Commissioning at Sunderland City Council, has also confirmed on Wednesday (May 26) that surge testing will not be carried out in the city.
She said: “We are continuing to offer our current testing programme and would encourage everyone to test twice weekly with an LFD of self-test if they don’t have symptoms, even if they have had both doses of the vaccine and to self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test if they have symptoms no matter how mild, such as a new persistent cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in sense of taste and smell.
When speaking about the discovery of Indian variant cases in Sunderland, Gerry urged residents on Wearside to continue to follow the Government’s guidance on Covid-19.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe added: “We currently have a very small number of confirmed cases of the Indian variant in Sunderland.
“All public health measures are being followed and cases are self-isolating. We will not disclose further information due to patient confidentiality.
“While there is no evidence that the Indian variant of the virus causes more serious illness, there is some evidence that this variant is easier to pass on than other variants.
“That’s why it’s more important than ever that we all continue following the guidance in place to keep us safe, which is something people in Sunderland have been doing so well since the start of the pandemic.”