• About
  • Advertise
  • Membership
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • Weather
  • Directory Login
  • COVID
Menu
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Membership
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • Weather
  • Directory Login
  • COVID

Businesses offering Delivery and Click & Collect

  • WHAT’S ON
    • COVID-19 NEWS
    • Across Liverpool
    • Sefton
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
  • OFFERS
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • JOBS
  • SHOP
  • READ
    • Matt Jacobson
    • News
    • Events
    • Sport
    • Food & Drink
    • Business
    • People
    • Blogs
    • Interviews
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
    • Things To Do
  • LISTEN
    • RADIO
    • PODCASTS
  • DIRECTORY
Menu
  • WHAT’S ON
    • COVID-19 NEWS
    • Across Liverpool
    • Sefton
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
  • OFFERS
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • JOBS
  • SHOP
  • READ
    • Matt Jacobson
    • News
    • Events
    • Sport
    • Food & Drink
    • Business
    • People
    • Blogs
    • Interviews
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
    • Things To Do
  • LISTEN
    • RADIO
    • PODCASTS
  • DIRECTORY
Search
Close

Sefton Council responds to announcement on South Africa COVID-19 variant

February 2, 2021
|
COVID-19 - News

Responding to news that testing for the new South African variant of Covid-19 will be starting in the Borough, Sefton Council Leader Cllr Ian Maher said: 

“I am pleased to see the Government acting promptly to implement this programme to test for the presence and possible spread of this new variant with the aim of bringing it under control quickly.

“I am also confident that our local communities will, as they have throughout the pandemic, follow the guidance on testing, self-isolation and the wider lockdown measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus and help protect those who are vulnerable to it.”

Sefton’s Director of Public Health, Margaret Jones said: 

“Although it seems this new variant can still be combated through vaccination, it could be more transmissible, which means it could spread more quickly.

“That’s why it is important we carry out this additional testing to try and identify it and to limit the number of us who might be exposed to it.

“We will be setting up dedicated test sites for the new variant and once they are in place, I would encourage everyone aged over 16 in the areas targeted to get tested as soon as possible, even though they don’t have symptoms. This will help us find any cases of the new variant and help stamp it out.

“There is no reason for most of us to change our behaviour as a result of this news as long as we are already following the national regulations.

“This means staying at home except for essential purposes such as shopping for essential supplies, going to work if we can’t do so from home and providing care. It also means maintaining at least 2-metres’ distancing, wearing a mask or face covering while out and about and washing our hand frequently.”

Sefton Council and its partners are still working out exactly how the additional tests are going to take place in the light of today’s announcement but comprehensive testing has been in place across the Borough since April. This has been through a combination of pop-up mobile test units at various sites and permanent walk-through testing sites for people with coronavirus symptoms, and three SMART test centres for people with no symptoms.

Mrs Jones added: 

“People across Sefton have taken full advantage of the range of testing available and I am confident those within the area covered by the new variant tests will respond positively to the Minister’s request to get tested this week’ (or whatever it is for us).

“However, for anyone concerned we will be working with our partners to provide advice and support online and on the ground so that we can work together and continue to make progress towards a return to a more normal life for all of us.”

As well as mobile test units, the four local walk-through test centres for people with symptoms are at Bootle Town Hall, Crosby Library Car Park, Netherton Activity Centre and Southport Town Hall. SMART test centres for people with no symptoms who have to go out for work or caring purposes are at Aintree Racecourse, Bootle Leisure Centre and Splash World in Southport.

Details can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/testing

Dr Andrew Furber, Regional Director at Public Health England North West, said: 

“The UK has one of the best genomic systems in the world which has allowed us to detect the variant originating in South Africa here in Sefton. I urge everyone offered a test to take it up to help us to monitor the virus in our communities and to help suppress and control the spread of this variant.

“The most important thing is that people continue to follow the guidance that is in place – limit your number of contacts, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, keep your distance and cover your face. If you test positive by any method, you must isolate to stop the spread of the virus.”

READ MORE: Sefton’s joint response to flooding following Storm Christoph

Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
The Knowsley Social launches this Spring with a stellar line up of sensational music and family events
Events

The Knowsley Social launches this Spring with a stellar line up of sensational music and family events

Read More »
February 25, 2021
Liverpool-based Ex-teacher and team get national recognition for EdTech business
Business

Liverpool-based Ex-teacher and team get national recognition for EdTech business

Read More »
February 25, 2021
MD Creatives launches new project to shine a spotlight on history of dance
News

MD Creatives launches new project to shine a spotlight on history of dance in the Liverpool City Region

Read More »
February 25, 2021
PrevPrevious ARTICLENew luxury, independent student accommodation – true Liverpool to open this September
Next ArticleSefton Council finalising testing arrangements to help detect and contain new South African variantNext

What's On

The best events across Liverpool brought to your screens!

Cream & Circus present Camelphat...

3 April

Creamfields 2021

26 August

Reminisce Festival 2021

11 September

David Gray White Ladder Tour

19 March

DMA’S – The Glow UK...

9 April

PAW Patrol Live! Race to...

10 July

Red Rum Club

17 April

Sonny Fodera Solotoko Tour

20 March

JLS ‘Beat Again’ UK &...

13 July

Rick Astley Greatest Hits Tour...

13 May

Stay in the loop

Stay up to date with all the latest news, articles, events and offers from across Liverpool!

We never share your information with anyone.

  • What’s On
  • Latest Offers
  • Things To Do
  • Jobs in Liverpool
  • Reads
  • Book Accommodation
  • Business Directory
Menu
  • What’s On
  • Latest Offers
  • Things To Do
  • Jobs in Liverpool
  • Reads
  • Book Accommodation
  • Business Directory
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Advertise With Us
  • Email Sign Up
  • Contact
  • COVID
Menu
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Advertise With Us
  • Email Sign Up
  • Contact
  • COVID

At Explore Liverpool we are all about bringing you everything the Liverpool City Region has to offer and more!

© 2021 Explore Liverpool

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Menu
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
SettingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT

Explore Liverpool With Us!

Enjoy a weekly round up of everything that's happening across Liverpool, and subscribe to regular updates on events and offers as well as staying up to date with all the news and happenings of the Liverpool City Region.