A new surge testing site has opened in Todmorden as cases continue to rise dramatically across Calderdale.
Todmorden is currently experiencing an outbreak of the Delta variant, which is thought to be more transmissible.
The new testing site, in the Bramsche Square car park on Rose Street, is available for anyone living, working or studying in Todmorden, even if they don’t have symptoms.
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The surge testing has been rolled out across Todmorden as cases of Covid in Calderdale jumped 91% in the week leading up to June 8, with a total of 218 cases.
A sizeable number of these are the concerning Delta variant, but delays in genetic sequencing mean that is not clear exactly how many cases of the new strain there are.
Deborah Harkins, Director of Public Health for Calderdale said: “It’s likely that the situation is even worse now.”
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It is known that around one in three cases of the Delta variant in Calderdale were found in Todmorden.
Last week, Ms Harkins said the borough is currently battling ‘two epidemics’ as Covid rates increase dramatically.
Cases of the Kent, or ‘Alpha’, variant increased throughout Calderdale over the past few weeks, and there has been a ‘very large’ increase in cases of the new strain in Todmorden.
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Along with Todmorden, authorities are also concerned about the Park and Warley wards in Halifax, which have seen a large jump in cases.
New surge testing sites are also available in those areas.
Health authorities are now racing to test residents in the area and to vaccinate as many people as possible.
Deborah Harkins, “We’re in a race between rolling out the vaccine programme, and new variants developing and spreading.”
The new sites in Todmorden, Park and Warley wards are:
- Asda overflow car park, Thrum Hall Lane, Halifax HX1 4PG. Open 8 am to 8 pm every day
- Daisy Street Car Park, Brighouse HD6 1EL. Open 8 am to 8 pm every day
- Mobile Testing Unit, Todmorden Leisure Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden OL14 7DF. Open 9 am to 5 pm every day
- Mobile Testing Unit, Rose Street, Bramsche Square, Todmorden, OL14 5AG. Open from June 14 to June 20, 9 am to 5.30 pm every day
All testing sites are walk-up, and you do not need an appointment.
More information about the surge testing can be found on the council’s website: https://calderdale.gov.uk/v2/coronavirus/managing/extra-testing
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