Copyright: Reuters
Stress tests will be used in targeted areas of North West London and North East England where the South African variant of coronavirus has been found.
Additional tests and genomic sequencing will be rolled out, according to the health department in the North Wembley area of the capital and the TS19 zip code area in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham.
The Stockton Board will open an additional center from Friday to test more people.
A spokesperson said the South African variant was “more contagious” than other variants and cases should be identified “as soon as possible”.
Positive cases will be compiled for genomic data to increase the understanding of Covid variants and their distribution.
People living within the target areas are strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 test when it is presented, whether they are showing symptoms or not.
It comes as the official figures on testing and detection reveal that a total of 68,738 people tested positive for Covid-19 in England at least once a week until 24 February.
It is 19% lower than the previous week and is the lowest number since the week to 30 September.