Testing is being scaled up after a strain of coronavirus first identified in Brazil was found in Muswell Hill.

People over the age of 16 living in the affected N10 postcodes are being strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 test this week – even if they are not showing symptoms – to see if the variant has spread.

It comes after a case of the Covid-19 strain, which was linked back to recent travel to Brazil, was picked up through surge testing. NHS teams have begun a comprehensive investigation to identify any further contacts.

Barnet Council said the strain appears to be similar to the current dominant UK variant in terms of transmissibility and risk of severe illness.

Research is being carried out into how well the Brazilian variant responds to vaccines, and there is is currently no evidence that existing Covid-19 jabs will not work against it, the council added.

A mix of door-to-door test kit drops and mobile testing units are being deployed to selected postcodes by Haringey and Barnet councils, beginning this weekend.

Residents will be able to drop completed tests off at designated collection hubs.

People living in the affected postcodes will be sent leaflets with further instructions in the coming days. A list of affected postcodes and mobile testing unit/collection hub locations will also go up on Haringey and Barnet’s websites.

Enhanced testing is only for people who are not experiencing any of the Covid-19 symptoms – high temperature, continuous cough and a loss or change in smell or taste.

Anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19 should not take the home test kits and should instead book a test at one of the other sites, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Leader of Barnet Council Cllr Dan Thomas said: “The Brazilian variant of Covid-19 was detected in an N10 postcode in Haringey. There is no evidence at present that they have passed the infection further. However, we are working closely with colleagues in Haringey Council to introduce door-to-door testing and to deploy mobile testing units to encourage residents to get tested so that we can see if it has spread any further.

“I urge everyone to continue to stick to the rules of social distancing, hand washing and face covering and to keep themselves and others safe from the virus. Getting tested and getting vaccinated will help us all return to normality as soon as possible.”

Haringey Council leader Cllr Joseph Ejiofor said: “Following the detection of the Brazilian variant of Covid-19 in N10, the NHS is deploying enhanced testing to ensure that we detect any further spread.

“We have no reason to think that this variant poses any more threat than the dominant strain of Covid-19, but let’s make no mistake – our battle with Covid-19 is not over, and everyone must play their part in stopping further spread.

“I would urge all in the Muswell Hill area who are asked to come forward for further testing, to do so. Detecting any spread is the only way that we can safeguard our communities from this new variant.”

For more information about enhanced testing in N10, visit https://www.haringey.gov.uk/ or www.barnet.gov.uk/surgetesting