Wandsworth Council has thanked the many thousands of people that took part in the recent surge testing programme.

Last month Wandsworth Council urged residents and those working in the borough to get tested as part of surge testing.

This increased testing took place after a number of cases of the South African variant were identified in the borough.

Over the course of two weeks over 80,000 tests were taken by residents and those that work in Wandsworth.

Wandsworth's cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health, Cllr Clare Salier, said:

"I would like to thank each and every one of you that took the time to get tested as part of the surge testing programme.

"Surge testing programmes, along with all forms of COVID-19 testing, allows us to do all we can to identify cases and reduce the spread of the virus.

"As we enter a period where lockdown starts to ease further, I would like to encourage people to take twice-weekly lateral flow tests to help protect themselves and their loved ones."

As a result of surge testing fortunately no further cases of the variant were discovered in Wandsworth and only a very small number of COVID-19 cases were identified.

The council is now reminding residents to remain cautious as concern of the Indian variant has come into the public domain.

A spokesperson for Wandsworth Council said: "Whatever the variant, we should all continue to wash our hands, wear face coverings, make space and let in the fresh air."

[L] https://tooting.nub.news/n/st-george39s-hospital-now-offering-covid-19-vaccination-walk-in-service [L+ Walk-in vaccination sessions are now available for those aged over 36 at St George's [.L] Hospital between 12pm and 7pm, seven days a week.