Surge testing expanded in parts of UK as 4,000 COVID cases recorded

Surge testing is being expanded across parts of Lancashire, following the identification of a number of confirmed cases of the Indian variant of COVID-19. /VCG

Surge testing is being expanded across parts of Lancashire, following the identification of a number of confirmed cases of the Indian variant of COVID-19.

All cases have been instructed to self-isolate and their contacts are being identified.

Working in partnership with local authorities, NHS Test and Trace is launching additional testing and genomic sequencing across a number of areas, including Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn and Rossendale.

Additional mobile testing units and COVID-19 tests are being deployed to higher educational settings in these areas, and door to door testing is taking place to find and isolate cases.

Another 4,182 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the UK - the highest daily total since 1 April.

It's also the first time since that date (when 4,479 infections were reported) that the figure has exceeded 4,000, and the third day running that the number has been above 3,000.

Another 10 coronavirus-related deaths have also been reported.

There have now been 4,477,705 cases and 127,768 deaths throughout the pandemic in the UK.

Almost 700,000 vaccinations were administered yesterday, with nearly half of the adult population now in receipt of two jabs.

Some 256,517 first doses were given out, and 434,096 follow up shots, meaning 24,478,052 people have now had a full course of vaccinations - equivalent to 46.5 percent of the adult population.

(With input from agencies)