Richmond Council has urged residents to 'take extra caution' if visiting the neighbouring London borough where surge testing for the Indian Covid-19 variant is now taking place.

The Council also asked people in Richmond borough to follow Government advice and not travel to Hounslow unless making an essential journey.

The new variant spreads more quickly from person to person and has been identified in eight areas of the UK, including Hounslow which borders Richmond borough.

The Council said: "As surge testing is now in place in neighbouring borough Hounslow, Richmond residents are reminded to follow the rules and not to travel to the area unless totally necessary."

"Whilst surge testing is well underway in Hounslow, Richmond residents are asked to take extra caution."

Government advice issued last Friday has asked people not to travel into and out of the borough unless it is essential, for example if you cannot work from home or to go to school.

Anyone who does need to travel into the Hounslow area is reminded to:

- Meet outside rather than inside where possible

- Keep two metres apart from people you don't live with

- Get tested twice a week and isolate if you are positive

- Get vaccinated when you are offered it.

Anyone who displays symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate immediately and arrange to have a PCR test as soon as possible.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: "I am disappointed that these new rules were introduced with no consultation or prior warning.

"Whilst I understand the situation is always changing, it is essential that changes to the rules are delivered in partnership with the relevant local area - rather than introduced by stealth.

"However, the new variant is concerning. And we need to support Hounslow to help them get it under control, whilst ensuring it does not spread into Richmond upon Thames.

"The rules are simple, do not travel to Hounslow unless you need to.

"And if you do, remember hands, face, space and ventilate and take a COVID rapid test twice a week.

"We will continue to monitor the situation in Hounslow carefully over the next few days."

There has been controversy over the new rules which changed on Friday but with no official Government announcement to go with them.

Twickenham MP Munira Wilson took to Twitter this morning to criticise the way the guidance had been announced.

"The lack of communication by Government is breathtaking," she wrote.

"With Twickenham, Hampton, Whitton bordering on Hounslow, what does this mean for key workers, school pupils and others who criss cross the boundary everyday?"

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