ADULT residents in the EN10 area, which includes some homes and businesses in Nazeing, are being encouraged to get a COVID-19 test whether they have symptoms or not.

This follows confirmation of an isolated case of the South African variant in the local area.

The main aim of this significant increase in testing capacity is to find any other cases and help suppress this new variant from spreading any further in the local community.

From Tuesday 2 February, residents over 18 years-old who live in the EN10 postcode were provided with a leaflet through their letterboxes explaining how they can get tested:

• Extra mobile testing capacity has been set up at the Broxbourne Lido site & Paradise Wildlife Park (in EN10, Broxbourne)
• Home testing kits will be available to pick up from Wormley Community Centre and Hoddesdon Library

From Thursday 4 February, all households will be directly contacted at their doorstep and will be provided with a home testing kit from a public health or licensed officer with valid ID.

Schools and other workplaces in the EN10 area of Broxbourne remain open in line with existing national restrictions. Residents should continue to follow the Stay at Home guidance, except for specific exemptions, as per other areas.

Hertfordshire County Council is carrying out the operation, including those homes / businesses in the Epping Forest District Council part of the EN10 postcode.

Jim McManus, Director of Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council said:

It is vitally important that we test as many adults in this local area, whether showing symptoms or not. This is an important step in containing this new South African variant of COVID-19 from spreading further in our local communities.

Although this new variant of COVID-19 is thought to be more easily transmitted, there is currently no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness, or that the regulated vaccine would not protect against it.

Full details can be found on the Hertfordshire County Council website – Coronavirus tests for residents in Broxbourne.