In response to the news that Merton Council have introduced enhanced community testing in the CR4 postcode area, as a precaution to contain recent cases of the South African COVID-19 variant, local London Assembly Member, Leonie Cooper AM, said:
“The emergence of any new cases of the South African variant should be a cause for concern, as there is a lot that is still unknown about this strain.
“It is thought to be more infectious, so it is very important that precautionary measures are taken early on to break any potential chains of transmission.
“The council are specifically focussing on the CR4 postcode to target their efforts to contain the spread.
“This will involve thousands of extra tests being made available and some being delivered door-to-door in this area. I am urging Merton residents to take a test if they are offered one and if they receive a knock on the door.
“Ultimately, our way out of the pandemic is through the vaccine, which is safe. So, it is crucial that members of our community do not hesitate to get the jab after receiving their invitation and take the test if asked to do so, in the next few days”.
ENDS