Department of Health and Social Care has announced additional surge testing and genomic sequencing deployment in North Kensington, Hillingdon Council and and Bolton Council. This surge testing and genomic sequencing has resulted from the identification of cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) variant, first discovered in South Africa. All individuals aged 16 years and over who reside or work in these postcodes have been strongly encouraged to take a coronavirus PCR test, regardless of whether they are showing symptoms or not. Individuals who are experiencing coronavirus symptoms should book a free test online or by phone.