RENEWED calls have been made for young people to get tested after a surge in case rates across the county.

Surge testing is being rolled out in Cumbria amid a spike in cases of the Delta variant among young people.

Anyone between the ages of 12 and 30 who lives or works in the area is being asked to take a Covid-19 PCR test, whether or not they have symptoms.

The plea comes after infections rose from 35 cases per week at the end of May to 250 per week now, Cumbria County Council said.

Young people in South Lakes are being urged to visit their local testing site at Busher Walk in Kendal to help lower rising rates.

Tim Farron, MP for South Lakes, said it is 'vital' young people listen to the council's plea.

He said: “Everyone has made so many sacrifices to get us to where we are today.

“While the light at the end of the tunnel is so close, it’s vital that we keep case rates low while we get everyone vaccinated.

“So I really would encourage everyone aged 12-30 to get regularly tested so we can keep people out of hospital, save lives and help us get back to normal life.”

Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, Colin Cox, said it is 'critical' young people take a test this week - regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.

He said: “Infections are spiking in Cumbria and while they are still lower than our neighbouring counties, without action we can expect many more people to become ill.

“Infections are rising fastest among young people.

"That’s why it is critical everyone aged 12-30 in Cumbria take a PCR test this week – regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.

“Getting as many people tested as possible will help us find those people are infectious but don’t know it, this is an important way we can slow the spread.

“I know it’s an inconvenience to do this, but it’s a simple process.

"And as we’ve seen this week with the Prime Minister’s announcement, if we don’t get the virus back under control we can expect restrictions to remain in place which is something none of us want.”

People not at school can attend any of Cumbria’s testing sites between 8am and 8pm. You do not need to book your test, simply walk-in and you will be tested.