BigCloud
Veteran
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- Nov 11, 2018
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Following on from @Mitz post earlier oh fuck starting in my area
COVID-19 surge testing for selected parts of Goldsworth Park, St Johns and Knaphill
Information published: Monday 1 February, 12pm
The Surrey Local Resilience Forum (SLRF) is working with Public Health England (PHE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to carry out a localised COVID-19 testing programme within selected parts of Goldsworth Park, St Johns and Knaphill.
Why is a localised COVID-19 testing programme necessary?
This follows notification that a different variant of COVID-19 has been identified from two positive tests within the local area. This is known as the SARS-CoV-2 variant which originated in South Africa.
Residents within the selected area will be visited by a member of the testing team who will leave enough kits for everyone in their household to complete a test.
All members of a household, aged 18 and over, are requested to carry out a COVID-19 PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction), whether they have symptoms or not.
This will enable PHE and the Joint Biosecurity Centre to identify any community spread of the new variant. Enabling closer monitoring of the variant in order to stamp it out where it has been detected.
A PCR test is taken in the usual way using a swab.
Localised testing kits will be delivered to residents within selected parts of Goldsworth Park, St Johns and Knaphill.
Any residents who wish to authenticate or validate why this person is visiting them can contact the Surrey County Council Community Helpline on 0300 200 1008 or Woking Borough Council on 01483 755 855.
There is currently no evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 variant poses any greater risk to public health.
Residents outside of the selected area do not need to take any action.
The Surrey Local Resilience Forum has been working on the COVID-19 response for Surrey since March 2020 and is made up of local partners including Surrey County Council, Surrey Police, district and borough councils (including Woking Borough Council), Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, local health services, volunteer organisations and others.
Find out if you live in the testing area
The map below shows the area where the localised testing programme will be carried out.
Type in your postcode to check whether you live in the localised testing area.
Do I need to self-isolate if I live in that area?
Residents in the affected area do not need to self-isolate unless they have symptoms, have tested positive and/or been in contact with someone who has tested positive and been contacted by Test and Trace.
Residents in the affected area and across Woking, should remain calm and continue to follow the national restrictions that are currently in place.
The national guidelines remain the same
Approximately 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it. Stay home wherever possible.
View the national lockdown guidelines on the GOV.UK
Remember: Hands. Face. Space.
How many cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant VOC202012/02 have been detected in the UK?
As of 30 January 2021, 105 genomically confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant which originated in South Africa (called VOC202012/02 in the UK,) have been identified in the UK.
What is being done to detect the variant?
Laboratory work has begun on the VOC 202012/02 in the UK and is routinely undertaken on all variants under investigation or of concern once samples are available.
What further information can you provide us about the cases?
The identity of the cases is confidential, and we cannot provide any further information.
What can I do to prevent further spread?
The best way to stop the spread of the virus is to wash your hands, wear a face covering and keep your distance from others. Whilst in lockdown, it is important that we also stay at home unless it is absolutely essential to go out
Am I going to be at greater risk?
There is no suggestion that you are at any greater risk from the South African variant to other strains of Covid-19.
Is there anything I need to do differently/stop doing?
You should continue to follow the national lockdown rules, hands, face, space and travel only when it is essential.
Does the South African variant have the same transmission rate?
Viruses often evolve and this is not unusual. We know that this variant is more transmissible. We are carrying out work as a priority to understand the potential risk this variant may cause.
Is it more harmful?
There is no suggestion that the South African variant is any more harmful that other Covid-19 variants.
Does the COVID vaccine protect against this variant?
There is currently no evidence to suggest that vaccines will not offer protection against this variant.
Questions you may have about the localised testing programme
What is a PCR test?
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests check for the genetic material (RNA) of the virus in the sample. The sample is tested in a laboratory.
I have recently had a PCR/LFD test, do I need another?
Yes, because this sample is specifically being genome sequenced for the variant.
How will I receive my results?
You'll usually get a text or email with your result when it's ready. Most people get their result the next day, but it may take up to 3 days.
What should I do if I develop symptoms after the test?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new and persistent cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste), however mild, you should self-isolate for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started.
You should also get a test straight away through the NHS Test and Trace Service by calling 119 or visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test .
Once you have received your test result, you should follow the guidance on test results.
Should I still attend my vaccination appointment?
If residents being asked to take a test have a vaccination appointment they can still attend, unless they have any COVID-19 symptoms, in which case they should follow national public health guidelines.
I am an essential worker, can I go to work whilst awaiting my results?
Yes. If you develop symptoms you must self-isolate.
Why are you only testing people aged over 18?
We are testing as many people as possible over the age of 18 in the local area at this stage. This testing is offered over and above the existing testing strategy and will help us decide if further testing is needed.
Questions you may have if you are working out in the community
Do I need to take any extra precautions?
No. Continue to adopt the same level of precautions (hands, face, space) that you do now. We will keep the situation under review and will keep you informed of any changes.
Do current PPE protocols remain the same?
Yes, there are no changes at this time to PPE protocols and staff should continue to use the same level of PPE as they would usually use, as set out in national guidance.
Do I need to wear PPE / extra PPE/ different PPE?
If you usually wear PPE for your work you should continue to wear the same levels of PPE as you do now. We will keep the situation under review and will keep you informed of any changes.
Should I stop visiting patients/ clients in that area?
Community: Continue to undertake home visits as you do now and adopt the same precautions and wear the same level of PPE. We will keep the situation under review and will keep you informed of any changes.
Hospital/GPs: Local protocols are being developed for residents from this area who attend emergency departments, trauma units and GPs surgeries and these will be shared with you.
What happens if a patient I am visiting/had contact with tests positive to the South African variant ?
Regardless of variant, if you are a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case you should be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and should isolate for 10 days from the date you were last in contact with the positive case.
Do I need to be tested/have regular tests if I have been in contact with people who live in this area?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you should isolate for 10 days and book a test as soon as possible. If you are a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case you should be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and should isolate for 10 days from the date you were last in contact with the positive case.
Do I need to self-isolate if I have been in contact with someone from this area?
You only need to self-isolate if you or they have symptoms, have tested positive or been contacted by Test and Trace.
Will people from this area who attend emergency departments, trauma centres or GPs surgeries be treated any differently?
Local protocols are being developed by NHS Trusts/PCTs for residents from this area who attend emergency departments, trauma units and GP surgeries. These will be shared with you.
Do we need to make any changes to the management plan for treating those patients confirmed to have this variant?
There is currently no need to make changes to the management plan for those treating patients with this variant.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
You can phone the Surrey Community Helpline on 0300 200 1008, Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm, and weekends between 11am to 3pm.
SMS: 0786 0053 465 for deaf and hearing impaired residents only, available Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm.
COVID-19 surge testing for selected parts of Goldsworth Park, St Johns and Knaphill
Information published: Monday 1 February, 12pm
The Surrey Local Resilience Forum (SLRF) is working with Public Health England (PHE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to carry out a localised COVID-19 testing programme within selected parts of Goldsworth Park, St Johns and Knaphill.
Why is a localised COVID-19 testing programme necessary?
This follows notification that a different variant of COVID-19 has been identified from two positive tests within the local area. This is known as the SARS-CoV-2 variant which originated in South Africa.
Residents within the selected area will be visited by a member of the testing team who will leave enough kits for everyone in their household to complete a test.
All members of a household, aged 18 and over, are requested to carry out a COVID-19 PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction), whether they have symptoms or not.
This will enable PHE and the Joint Biosecurity Centre to identify any community spread of the new variant. Enabling closer monitoring of the variant in order to stamp it out where it has been detected.
A PCR test is taken in the usual way using a swab.
Localised testing kits will be delivered to residents within selected parts of Goldsworth Park, St Johns and Knaphill.
Any residents who wish to authenticate or validate why this person is visiting them can contact the Surrey County Council Community Helpline on 0300 200 1008 or Woking Borough Council on 01483 755 855.
There is currently no evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 variant poses any greater risk to public health.
Residents outside of the selected area do not need to take any action.
The Surrey Local Resilience Forum has been working on the COVID-19 response for Surrey since March 2020 and is made up of local partners including Surrey County Council, Surrey Police, district and borough councils (including Woking Borough Council), Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, local health services, volunteer organisations and others.
Find out if you live in the testing area
The map below shows the area where the localised testing programme will be carried out.
Type in your postcode to check whether you live in the localised testing area.
Do I need to self-isolate if I live in that area?
Residents in the affected area do not need to self-isolate unless they have symptoms, have tested positive and/or been in contact with someone who has tested positive and been contacted by Test and Trace.
Residents in the affected area and across Woking, should remain calm and continue to follow the national restrictions that are currently in place.
The national guidelines remain the same
Approximately 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 have no symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it. Stay home wherever possible.
View the national lockdown guidelines on the GOV.UK
Remember: Hands. Face. Space.
- Hands – wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds.
- Face – wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
- Space – stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings).
How many cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant VOC202012/02 have been detected in the UK?
As of 30 January 2021, 105 genomically confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant which originated in South Africa (called VOC202012/02 in the UK,) have been identified in the UK.
What is being done to detect the variant?
Laboratory work has begun on the VOC 202012/02 in the UK and is routinely undertaken on all variants under investigation or of concern once samples are available.
What further information can you provide us about the cases?
The identity of the cases is confidential, and we cannot provide any further information.
What can I do to prevent further spread?
The best way to stop the spread of the virus is to wash your hands, wear a face covering and keep your distance from others. Whilst in lockdown, it is important that we also stay at home unless it is absolutely essential to go out
Am I going to be at greater risk?
There is no suggestion that you are at any greater risk from the South African variant to other strains of Covid-19.
Is there anything I need to do differently/stop doing?
You should continue to follow the national lockdown rules, hands, face, space and travel only when it is essential.
Does the South African variant have the same transmission rate?
Viruses often evolve and this is not unusual. We know that this variant is more transmissible. We are carrying out work as a priority to understand the potential risk this variant may cause.
Is it more harmful?
There is no suggestion that the South African variant is any more harmful that other Covid-19 variants.
Does the COVID vaccine protect against this variant?
There is currently no evidence to suggest that vaccines will not offer protection against this variant.
Questions you may have about the localised testing programme
What is a PCR test?
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests check for the genetic material (RNA) of the virus in the sample. The sample is tested in a laboratory.
I have recently had a PCR/LFD test, do I need another?
Yes, because this sample is specifically being genome sequenced for the variant.
How will I receive my results?
You'll usually get a text or email with your result when it's ready. Most people get their result the next day, but it may take up to 3 days.
What should I do if I develop symptoms after the test?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new and persistent cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste), however mild, you should self-isolate for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started.
You should also get a test straight away through the NHS Test and Trace Service by calling 119 or visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test .
Once you have received your test result, you should follow the guidance on test results.
Should I still attend my vaccination appointment?
If residents being asked to take a test have a vaccination appointment they can still attend, unless they have any COVID-19 symptoms, in which case they should follow national public health guidelines.
I am an essential worker, can I go to work whilst awaiting my results?
Yes. If you develop symptoms you must self-isolate.
Why are you only testing people aged over 18?
We are testing as many people as possible over the age of 18 in the local area at this stage. This testing is offered over and above the existing testing strategy and will help us decide if further testing is needed.
Questions you may have if you are working out in the community
Do I need to take any extra precautions?
No. Continue to adopt the same level of precautions (hands, face, space) that you do now. We will keep the situation under review and will keep you informed of any changes.
Do current PPE protocols remain the same?
Yes, there are no changes at this time to PPE protocols and staff should continue to use the same level of PPE as they would usually use, as set out in national guidance.
Do I need to wear PPE / extra PPE/ different PPE?
If you usually wear PPE for your work you should continue to wear the same levels of PPE as you do now. We will keep the situation under review and will keep you informed of any changes.
Should I stop visiting patients/ clients in that area?
Community: Continue to undertake home visits as you do now and adopt the same precautions and wear the same level of PPE. We will keep the situation under review and will keep you informed of any changes.
Hospital/GPs: Local protocols are being developed for residents from this area who attend emergency departments, trauma units and GPs surgeries and these will be shared with you.
What happens if a patient I am visiting/had contact with tests positive to the South African variant ?
Regardless of variant, if you are a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case you should be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and should isolate for 10 days from the date you were last in contact with the positive case.
Do I need to be tested/have regular tests if I have been in contact with people who live in this area?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you should isolate for 10 days and book a test as soon as possible. If you are a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case you should be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and should isolate for 10 days from the date you were last in contact with the positive case.
Do I need to self-isolate if I have been in contact with someone from this area?
You only need to self-isolate if you or they have symptoms, have tested positive or been contacted by Test and Trace.
Will people from this area who attend emergency departments, trauma centres or GPs surgeries be treated any differently?
Local protocols are being developed by NHS Trusts/PCTs for residents from this area who attend emergency departments, trauma units and GP surgeries. These will be shared with you.
Do we need to make any changes to the management plan for treating those patients confirmed to have this variant?
There is currently no need to make changes to the management plan for those treating patients with this variant.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
You can phone the Surrey Community Helpline on 0300 200 1008, Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm, and weekends between 11am to 3pm.
SMS: 0786 0053 465 for deaf and hearing impaired residents only, available Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm.
