New Covid mutation found in Preston as residents urged to get tested

Symptoms of the new mutation, which was initially found in Liverpool, reportedly include mild flu or cold symptoms and headaches.

Some people infected with the virus may only feel "a bit under the weather", but residents in Preston and West Lancashire have been urged to get tested if they feel unwell.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health and wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, said: "If you live in Preston or West Lancashire and you're feeling under the weather, please get a Covid test.

"It doesn't matter if you don't have the three classic symptoms of a fever, loss of taste or smell, or a cough – even a headache could be an indication you may have this mutation.

"Understandably, some residents may be concerned, but all viruses mutate over time so this should not cause any further alarm. Alongside our partners, please rest assured that we are monitoring the situation closely. It is important to stress that there is currently no evidence that this mutation alone causes more severe illness or is more transmissible."

Lancashire Resilience Forum said it's vital everyone continues to respect the lockdown and follow the hands, face, space rules, as this is "the most effective way to control the spread of all variants of coronavirus".

"The best way to control the spread is for everyone to continue to abide by the lockdown rules and following the simple steps of washing your hands, using a face covering and making space from each other," Dr Sakthi Karunanithi added.

"While Covid has been here for a while now, these new variants remind us that we all need to keep doing what we can to stay safe and avoid spreading Covid to each other."

Book your test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. When asked why you are getting one, use the option that 'the council has asked you to get a test'.

Extra mobile testing units are also being deployed to the affected areas to help ramp up testing.

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