Two people have tested positive for the new South African variant of the virus and have not travelled and have no previous cases.
Residents in Goldsworth Park and St Johns areas of Woking are being urged to get tested even if they are showing no symptoms.
Public Health England (PHE) and the Department of Health are working alongside Surrey Local Resilience Forum (SLRF) are now mass testing in the county.
They said by “testing” they will be able to “closely monitor any community spread of the new variant and restrict further transmission.”
Ruth Hutchinson, Director of Public Health for Surrey said, “This is a precautionary measure, the more cases of the variant we find, the better chance we have at stopping it from spreading further.
“By playing your part and taking the test, you’ll be helping to keep your community and your loved ones safe. 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.”
PHE South East are strongly urging people to take the coronavirus test to help monitor and detect the new variant in Surrey.
Dr Alison Barnett, regional director at PHE 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.
“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.”
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