Local MP calls for residents to get tested following discovery of new strand in Sandwell
Shaun Bailey, MP for Wednesbury, Oldbury and Tipton, has today urged residents, regardless of symptoms, to take a COVID-19 test following the announcement that the South African COVID-19 variant has been discovered on the border of Oldbury and Tipton.
The South African variant (first discovered in the UK in December 2020) is a mutation of the COVID-19 virus. Whilst there is no indication that the variant causes the severity of symptoms to increase, there is a real concern that it may spread more easily.
Shaun Bailey MP commented,
‘The discovery of the South African variant on the border of Oldbury and Tipton is, of course, concerning for residents and the wider community. I would therefore strongly encourage everyone within specific streets in the wider DY4 7, DY4 8 and B69 2 postcode areas, to get a test, whether you are experiencing symptoms or not.’
Shaun continued,
‘I would also remind everyone that a stay at home order is still in place until 29 March and that people should, therefore, only leave their homes if it is for an essential reason. I understand that this discovery is upsetting, but cases in Sandwell have been continuously dropping in recent weeks, and the vaccination programme continues to be rolled out.'
A mobile testing unit is now being set up in the PureGym Dudley Port for those who are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. The unit will open from 10am tomorrow (Wednesday 17 March).
Those who are experiencing symptoms should book a test via the usual route of the Gov.uk website.
