Surge testing is being rolled out in Finchley after a case of the South African variant was confirmed in N3, health authorities said Wednesday.

“The confirmed case is self-isolating and their contacts have been identified,” the Department of Health and Social Care said Wednesday.

“Everybody aged 16 years and over in this area who is contacted and invited to take part is strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 PCR test, whether they are showing symptoms or not,” it said.

Barnet Council staff are going door to door in some areas to offer free home PCR testing kits, available to anyone over 16. They will be wearing high visibility vests and carry identity documents proving they work for the council.

Other households in the area are being asked to get tested at a mobile unit in the Finchley Central station car park, which is open seven days a week from 8am until 3pm.

Barnet expects targeted testing to continue for up to two weeks and said the measures will be kept “under close review.”

For further information, visit the web page www.barnet.gov.uk/surgetesting