Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Covid surge testing extended outside London

Surge testing for the South African Covid variant is now taking place outside of London.

Residents in certain postcodes in Smethwick are being urged to get tested for coronavirus after a case of the South Africa variant was detected.

It comes as surge testing is deployed in four London boroughs in a bid to halt its spread.

Today programme's Justin Webb spoke to Dr Jeff Barrett, director of the Covid-19 Genomics Initiative at the Wellcome Sanger Institute; and Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director for Public Health England.

(Image: Surge testing for coronavirus disease in Lambeth and Clapham areas of London; Credit: Reuters)

10 minutes

More episodes

See all episodes from Best of Today

Podcast

  • Best of Today

    Listen to selected highlights from the Today programme.