The South African variant of coronavirus has been found in two Surrey towns.

Two test results from the Goldsworth Park and St Johns areas of Woking, and one in Egham, have been confirmed as the SARS-CoV-2 variant.

None of the three residents have travelled out of the country or have any links to previous variant cases.

Surrey's public health director Ruth Hutchinson said: "It's really important to say that there is currently no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness, so you don't need to worry."

A team coordinated by Surrey Local Resilience Forum (SLRF) will be going door to door in the next couple of days offering PCR tests to around 9,000 people in Woking.

They have been working over the weekend with Public Health England and the Department of Health and Social Care to mobilise the localised 'surge testing', which will use mainly Woking Borough Council volunteers, who will carry ID.

The Egham case was discovered on Sunday (January 31st) and a similar exercise will be carried out there in a few days once there is sufficient manpower and enough test kits.

"This is a precautionary measure – the more cases of the variant we find, the better chance we have at stopping it from spreading further," said Ms Hutchinson.

"By playing your part and taking the test, you'll be helping to keep your community and your loved ones safe."

Dr Alison Barnett, regional director at Public Health England South East, said: "The UK has one of the best genomic systems in the world which has allowed us to detect the variant originating in South Africa here in Surrey.

"I urge everyone offered a test to take it up to help us to monitor the virus in our communities and to help suppress and control the spread of this variant."

She added: "The most important thing is that people continue to follow the guidance that is in place – limit your number of contacts, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, keep your distance and cover your face. If you test positive by any method, you must isolate to stop the spread of the virus."

Woking is one of seven areas within the UK where the surge testing operation is taking place.

As of Saturday (January 30th), 105 cases of the South African variant, known as VOC-202012/02, had been identified across the UK.

Mutations to the virus happen as it makes new copies of itself in an attempt to spread and thrive.

More evidence is needed to establish the extent to which the regulated vaccines protect against it.

Anyone with questions about the virus or surge testing can call the Surrey Community Helpline on 0300 200 1008 Monday to Friday, 9amto 5pm, weekends 11am to 3pm. Deaf and hearing impaired residents only can text 0786 0053 465, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.