CORONAVIRUS testing has been ramped up in parts of Essex amid concerns over the potential spread of the Omicron variant.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid will give an update on the new variant and number of cases in the UK during a statement in the House of Commons this afternoon.

Additional testing is being carried out in parts of Brentwood today after a case, linked directly with travel to South Africa, was identified in the area.

There are no further confirmed cases of the variant in Essex, but with cases rising fast across the county, residents are being urged to get tested for Covid regularly.

Anyone who has symptoms or has tested positive via a rapid/ lateral flow test is asked to get a second, PCR test.

These can be booked on the Government website or by calling 119.

They can be sent to your home address or you can take a test at specialist sites set up across the county.

These are all the places in south Essex offering PCR tests throughout the week:

  • Shoebury Park, Elm Rd, Shoeburyness, Southend
  • Grover Walk car park, Corringham, Thurrock
  • Long Stay Car Park 3, Southend Airport, Southend 
  • Car Park 12, Cherrydown West, Basildon
  • Rayleigh Leisure Centre, Priory Chase, Rawreth Lane, Rayleigh(Monday)
  • The Paddocks, Long Road, Canvey Island, 
  • Pitsea Green Centre car park (Monday to Wednesday)
  • Woodside Hall, Benfleet (Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday)