Indian Covid variant found in Aylesbury

Matthew Clark | May 12, 2021

Additional COVID-19 testing is taking place in the Kingsbrook area of Aylesbury after cases of the Indian Covid variant were found.

Following surveillance activity, a small number of cases of the variant first identified in India have been found in the Kingsbrook area of Aylesbury. The people involved have self-isolated and followed all of the recommended guidance.

Buckinghamshire Council is working with Public Health England to monitor COVID-19 across the County.

All Kingsbrook residents, businesses and visitors in the HP22 7AA to HP22 7BP postcode areas (a full list of postcodes is given below) are being asked to undertake PCR testing to help avoid the spread of this variant and understand whether it is spreading in the community.

Testing will, in combination with measures such as hands-face-space-fresh air and current lockdown guidelines, help to suppress and control the spread of the virus, while enabling a better understanding of the new variant.

PCR tests should be done even if people are not showing any symptoms, they have previously had COVID-19 or they have had a COVID-19 vaccination.

There are a number of Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) where people in the area can get the COVID-19 PCR test; no appointment is needed, residents can just turn up at:

Lidl Supermarket Car Park, 61 Oakfield Road, Aylesbury HP22 1GD : Thursday 13 May/Friday 14 May/Saturday 15 May from 9am to 5pm.
Aktiva Nursery and Pre-School Car Park, Siding Road, Broughton, Bierton, Aylesbury HP22 7AY : Thursday 13th May / Friday 14th May / Saturday 15th May 2021 from 8.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.30pm.
The Dog House Public House Car Park, Broughton Lane, Broughton, Bierton, Aylesbury HP22 5AL : Thursday 13th May / Friday 14th May 2021from 8.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.30pm.
Unit 3, Vale Retail Park, 658 Vale Park Drive, Aylesbury HP20 1DH : Thursday 13th May / Friday 14th May / Saturday 15th May 2021 from 8.00am to 6.30pm – Residents can attend this site to collect a test or drop off a completed one.

A group of official volunteers will also be knocking on doors in the Kingsbrook area on Saturday 15th May 2021 between 9.15am and 4.30pm to deliver tests to people who have not been able to attend a MTU. Please note they volunteers will have official identification and do not need to enter your home, ask for money or ask for any personal details.

Jane O’Grady Director of Public Health for Buckinghamshire, said: ‘The UK has one of the best genome surveillance systems in the world which has allowed us to detect the variant first identified in India, here in the Kingsbrook, Aylesbury area.

I urge everyone to come forward for a test 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 – wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, keep your distance, cover your face.

Please remember meeting outdoors is safer than indoors ; if you are meeting indoors make sure spaces are well ventilated. If you test positive, you must isolate to stop the spread of the virus.‘

The full list of postcodes being tested is: