These are the areas of York now being targeted to keep Covid numbers low

York health officials are targeting two areas of the city as part of ongoing efforts to keep coronavirus infections under control.

They are handing out free Covid-19 tests to residents and encouraging them to get tested.

Yesterday (Wednesday), they were in Tang Hall, focusing on Alcuin Avenue, Burlington Avenue, Etty Avenue and Flaxman Avenue.

Tang Hall had three active cases in the seven days to 28 May, the last date when figures are available.

Then on Friday, the team will hit the Groves, notably on March Street, Abbott Street, Penley Grove Street, St John Street, Garden Street and Fern Street.

The Groves had four active infections.

City of York Council says the locations chosen were not due to an increase in cases or the presence of a variant of concern. “It represents the council’s continued efforts to improve the frequency and accessibility of Covid tests for residents and to take a proactive and preventative approach to keep cases down,” a spokesperson said.

Sharon Stoltz, York director of Public Health, said: ““We are continuing to take a preventative approach.

“One in three cases of Coronavirus has no symptoms. As we are able to see more of our friends and family we want to give our city the best possible chance of keeping cases down by encouraging more people to get tested.”

Council leader Cllr Keith Aspden said: “The targeted handing-out of Covid tests last month was a great success.

“Actively reaching out into our communities is crucial to ensuring the continued success of our city in combatting the virus, and I hope that these continued efforts by the council will be warmly welcomed by residents.”