Dozens of South African Covid variant cases identified as revellers dance on London's streets

People aged 11 and over who live, work or travel through those areas are being urged to take a Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, on top of using twice-weekly rapid testing.

People gather for drinks and food in Old Compton Street, Soho, central London. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Dozens of people in parts of south London are being made to isolate after contracting the Covid-19 variant first identified in South Africa, prompting a surge in testing in the area.

The testing surge comes as hundreds of people socialise across London as outdoor service resumes for the hospitality industry in the UK.