NO variants of Covid-19 were identified in parts of Hampshire following mass testing, it has been revealed.

Last month residents in the Shirley area of Southampton and in Bramley, near Basingstoke, were tested after a case of the South African variant of Covid-19 was identified in each of the two areas.

But health bosses have now confirmed that no “variant of concern” cases were found.

It comes as about 4,000 residents in the SO15 5 postcode area of Southampton were tested over three days in February.

In a public meeting held earlier this month, the director of public health in the city Dr Debbie Chase said of the 4,000 people tested, 27 tested positive for coronavirus.

But when asked how many of those tested positive for the South African variant of the virus, Southampton City Council said: “Approximately 4,000 individual tests over the three day period were taken as part of local surge testing. No VOC [variant of concern] cases have been found in the samples analysed so far from the SO15 area, however surveillance continues. Public Health England and Southampton City Council will continue monitoring the situation closely and will take further action as required.”

It comes as last month everyone aged 16 or over living in the SO15 5 postcode area of the city was asked to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Covid-19 test even if they were not showing symptoms.

As reported, the test involved taking a swab of the throat and nose. The city council issued and collected home test kits to some properties.

A Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) was also set up at Atherley Bowling Club on Hill Lane.

Door-to-door testing was also carried out in Bramley, near Basingstoke.

Hampshire County Council said: “Over 2,500 tests were taken as part of local surge testing in Bramley. No ‘variant of concern’ cases have been found in the samples analysed so far from the Bramley area - however surveillance continues. The County Council continues to work with Public Health England to monitor the situation and will take further action as required.”

The news comes as the number of coronavirus cases across the county has started to decrease. Earlier this week, Hampshire director of public health Simon Bryant said the virus is under control and he urged residents to get vaccinated as he stressed the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe.