Leeds Covid: Surge testing in Headingley, Hyde Park and Woodhouse after rise in Delta variant cases

The additional testing will take place in the targeted areas of Headingley, Hyde Park, Little London and Woodhouse.

It comes after a rise in confirmed cases of the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant.

Hyde Park now has the highest Covid case rate in the country, according to the latest figures.

All the confirmed cases have been instructed to self-isolate.

Their contacts have been identified.

NHS Test and Trace will begin surge testing will begin today (Tuesday, June 22).

Everyone who lives or works in these areas are encouraged to take a Covid-19 PCR test, whether they are showing symptoms or not.

The Department of Health and Social Care is also asking people to go forward for a vaccine.

They are particularly encouraging 18 to 24-year-olds to be tested and vaccinated as cases are very high in this age group.

People in this area should continue to make use of free twice-weekly rapid tests, commonly known as lateral flow devices, alongside the PCR test as part of surge testing.

Enhanced contact tracing will be used for individuals testing positive with a variant of concern (VOC).

This is where contact tracers look back over an extended period to determine the route of transmission.

By using PCR testing, positive results are sent for genomic sequencing at specialist laboratories, helping us to identify COVID-19 cases with a VOC and then prevent their spread.

If you have symptoms you should book a free test online or by phone.

You can then go to a testing site or have a kit sent to your home.

If you have no symptoms, you should visit your local authority’s website for more information: www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus

According to the government's interactive Covid data live map - available to view by clicking here - Hyde Park now has a case rate of 1,429.1 per 100,000 people.

The latest figures, for the seven days to June 16, are based on tests carried out in laboratories (pillar one of the Government’s testing programme) and in the wider community (pillar two).

The rate is expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people.

A total of 121 cases have been recorded in the seven days to June 16 in the area - an increase of 67 (124.1%).

Hyde Park Corner & Woodhouse Cliff also has the second highest Covid case rate in the city - 1,108.5 per 100,000 people.

No Covid deaths have been recorded in Leeds since June 2.