Rapid result Covid testing in Tier 3 areas to drive down infections
HEALTH
CORONAVIRUS
Saturday 12 December 2020, 1:39pm
A testing centre in Liverpool
Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
England's worst-hit councils will have quick result community testing programmes rolled out to reduce coronavirus infections.
An initial wave of 67 local authorities which are in Tier 3 have received government approval for testing schemes in a bid to drive down infection rates.
More than 1.6m rapid turnaround lateral flow tests will be delivered for use this month, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.
Covid: Christmas restriction easing a 'mistake which will have consequences'
Covid: US approves emergency use of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the enhanced testing programmes follow a successful pilot in Liverpool and will be a “vital additional tool” in finding asymptomatic cases.
Experts have previously suggested relying on rapid tests that give a result in minutes could mean a high proportion of cases are missed with false negative results.
Preliminary data released on Friday by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) suggested the rapid coronavirus tests rolled out in Liverpool missed around 51% of all Covid-19 cases.
A graph showing the number of coronavirus cases in the UK.
A graph showing the number of coronavirus cases in the UK.
Credit: PA Graphics
A paper considered by Sage on November 26 said two days earlier the Liverpool Health Protection Board had decided to pause plans to use the Innova lateral flow test to allow care home visits because they were not accurate enough.
The Government began sending the tests to England’s biggest care homes a week later.
Earlier this month, Dr Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser to NHS Test and Trace, defended the use of the tests, saying they had helped find Covid-19 infections in people without symptoms that would otherwise have been missed, helping to break chains of transmission.
Coronavirus test centre
People carry out asymptomatic testing using lateral flow antigen at a centre at Edinburgh University
Credit: PA
She said people with a negative test were not being told they did not have the disease.
Dr Hopkins also argued the test would help make planned visits to care homes safer by identifying people who could be carrying high levels of the virus unknowingly and stopping them passing it on.
An evaluation by Oxford University and Public Health England workers at Porton Down previously concluded the test has an overall sensitivity of 76.8% – but it detects almost all cases among patients with a high viral load.
Some of the new targeted community testing for approved areas in England is due to start from Monday, with local programmes receiving Government support for at least six weeks, the DHSC said.
Covid-19 growth rates
(PA Graphics)
Credit: PA Graphics
More than 100 local authorities are “engaged in the community testing programme” with more rollouts due to begin in the new year, the department added.
In Oldham, Greater Manchester, increased access to rapid testing will initially focus on higher risk supported living settings, health and social care staff and schools and colleges.
open mobile menu
NEWS
Your Area
Topics
Rapid result Covid testing in Tier 3 areas to drive down infections
HEALTH
CORONAVIRUS
Saturday 12 December 2020, 1:39pm
A testing centre in Liverpool
Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
England's worst-hit councils will have quick result community testing programmes rolled out to reduce coronavirus infections.
An initial wave of 67 local authorities which are in Tier 3 have received government approval for testing schemes in a bid to drive down infection rates.
More than 1.6m rapid turnaround lateral flow tests will be delivered for use this month, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.
Covid: Christmas restriction easing a 'mistake which will have consequences'
Covid: US approves emergency use of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the enhanced testing programmes follow a successful pilot in Liverpool and will be a “vital additional tool” in finding asymptomatic cases.
Experts have previously suggested relying on rapid tests that give a result in minutes could mean a high proportion of cases are missed with false negative results.
Preliminary data released on Friday by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) suggested the rapid coronavirus tests rolled out in Liverpool missed around 51% of all Covid-19 cases.
A graph showing the number of coronavirus cases in the UK.
A graph showing the number of coronavirus cases in the UK.
Credit: PA Graphics
A paper considered by Sage on November 26 said two days earlier the Liverpool Health Protection Board had decided to pause plans to use the Innova lateral flow test to allow care home visits because they were not accurate enough.
The Government began sending the tests to England’s biggest care homes a week later.
Earlier this month, Dr Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser to NHS Test and Trace, defended the use of the tests, saying they had helped find Covid-19 infections in people without symptoms that would otherwise have been missed, helping to break chains of transmission.
Coronavirus test centre
People carry out asymptomatic testing using lateral flow antigen at a centre at Edinburgh University
Credit: PA
She said people with a negative test were not being told they did not have the disease.
Dr Hopkins also argued the test would help make planned visits to care homes safer by identifying people who could be carrying high levels of the virus unknowingly and stopping them passing it on.
An evaluation by Oxford University and Public Health England workers at Porton Down previously concluded the test has an overall sensitivity of 76.8% – but it detects almost all cases among patients with a high viral load.
Some of the new targeted community testing for approved areas in England is due to start from Monday, with local programmes receiving Government support for at least six weeks, the DHSC said.
Covid-19 growth rates
(PA Graphics)
Credit: PA Graphics
More than 100 local authorities are “engaged in the community testing programme” with more rollouts due to begin in the new year, the department added.
In Oldham, Greater Manchester, increased access to rapid testing will initially focus on higher risk supported living settings, health and social care staff and schools and colleges.
Large manufacturing sites and businesses with workforces of more than 200 people will be tested under plans in Lancashire.
In Kirklees, West Yorkshire, whole-borough community testing and high-risk workplaces will be focused on first.
Urging people in approved areas to be tested, Mr Hancock said: “Community testing will be very important in helping the areas where levels of the virus are highest to drive down infection rates and ultimately will help areas ease tougher restrictions.”
Covid: US approves emergency use of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
Exclusive: ITV News reveals the extent of UK anti-vax social media following
HEALTH
CORONAVIRUS
Most popular
The new Banksy shows a woman blowing buildings over with a sneeze.
Owners of house used for new Banksy work delay sale of property
Prince William pays tribute to 'legend' Barbara Windsor
EastEnders and Carry On actress Dame Barbara Windsor dies aged 83
Top stories
EU offer remains ‘unacceptable’ as negotiators in all-night talks
Brexit: When the PM says no deal would be 'wonderful' - what does he mean?
Christmas easing of restrictions a 'mistake which will have consequences'
Trump loyalists rally as President runs out of legal options
Rapid result Covid testing in Tier 3 areas to drive down infections
Stop assault on planet and increase ambition on climate change, leaders urged
Highs and lows of Boris Johnson's premiership one year since election win
ITV Presents
ITV Hub
ITV Hub+
Be on TV
Competitions
Signed Stories
BritBox Free Trial
Shop
Corporate
ITV Plc
ITV Responsibility
Jobs
Press Centre
ITV Media
Commissioning
Information
TV sign-in code
Help
Contact Us
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Notice
By using this site, you agree we can set and use cookies. For more details of these cookies and how to disable them, see our cookie policy.
© Copyright ITV plc 2020
In Kirklees, West Yorkshire, whole-borough community testing and high-risk workplaces will be focused on first.
Urging people in approved areas to be tested, Mr Hancock said: “Community testing will be very important in helping the areas where levels of the virus are highest to drive down infection rates and ultimately will help areas ease tougher restrictions.”
Covid: US approves emergency use of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
Exclusive: ITV News reveals the extent of UK anti-vax social media following
HEALTH
CORONAVIRUS
Most popular
The new Banksy shows a woman blowing buildings over with a sneeze.
Owners of house used for new Banksy work delay sale of property
Prince William pays tribute to 'legend' Barbara Windsor
EastEnders and Carry On actress Dame Barbara Windsor dies aged 83
Top stories
EU offer remains ‘unacceptable’ as negotiators in all-night talks
Brexit: When the PM says no deal would be 'wonderful' - what does he mean?
Christmas easing of restrictions a 'mistake which will have consequences'
Trump loyalists rally as President runs out of legal options
Rapid result Covid testing in Tier 3 areas to drive down infections
Stop assault on planet and increase ambition on climate change, leaders urged
Highs and lows of Boris Johnson's premiership one year since election win
ITV Presents
ITV Hub
ITV Hub+
Be on TV
Competitions
Signed Stories
BritBox Free Trial
Shop
Corporate
ITV Plc
ITV Responsibility
Jobs
Press Centre
ITV Media
Commissioning
Information
TV sign-in code
Help
Contact Us
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Notice
By using this site, you agree we can set and use cookies. For more details of these cookies and how to disable them, see our cookie policy.
© Copyright ITV plc 2020
HEALTH
CORONAVIRUS
Saturday 12 December 2020, 1:39pm
A testing centre in Liverpool
Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
England's worst-hit councils will have quick result community testing programmes rolled out to reduce coronavirus infections.
An initial wave of 67 local authorities which are in Tier 3 have received government approval for testing schemes in a bid to drive down infection rates.
More than 1.6m rapid turnaround lateral flow tests will be delivered for use this month, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.
Covid: Christmas restriction easing a 'mistake which will have consequences'
Covid: US approves emergency use of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the enhanced testing programmes follow a successful pilot in Liverpool and will be a “vital additional tool” in finding asymptomatic cases.
Experts have previously suggested relying on rapid tests that give a result in minutes could mean a high proportion of cases are missed with false negative results.
Preliminary data released on Friday by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) suggested the rapid coronavirus tests rolled out in Liverpool missed around 51% of all Covid-19 cases.
A graph showing the number of coronavirus cases in the UK.
A graph showing the number of coronavirus cases in the UK.
Credit: PA Graphics
A paper considered by Sage on November 26 said two days earlier the Liverpool Health Protection Board had decided to pause plans to use the Innova lateral flow test to allow care home visits because they were not accurate enough.
The Government began sending the tests to England’s biggest care homes a week later.
Earlier this month, Dr Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser to NHS Test and Trace, defended the use of the tests, saying they had helped find Covid-19 infections in people without symptoms that would otherwise have been missed, helping to break chains of transmission.
Coronavirus test centre
People carry out asymptomatic testing using lateral flow antigen at a centre at Edinburgh University
Credit: PA
She said people with a negative test were not being told they did not have the disease.
Dr Hopkins also argued the test would help make planned visits to care homes safer by identifying people who could be carrying high levels of the virus unknowingly and stopping them passing it on.
An evaluation by Oxford University and Public Health England workers at Porton Down previously concluded the test has an overall sensitivity of 76.8% – but it detects almost all cases among patients with a high viral load.
Some of the new targeted community testing for approved areas in England is due to start from Monday, with local programmes receiving Government support for at least six weeks, the DHSC said.
Covid-19 growth rates
(PA Graphics)
Credit: PA Graphics
More than 100 local authorities are “engaged in the community testing programme” with more rollouts due to begin in the new year, the department added.
In Oldham, Greater Manchester, increased access to rapid testing will initially focus on higher risk supported living settings, health and social care staff and schools and colleges.
open mobile menu
NEWS
Your Area
Topics
Rapid result Covid testing in Tier 3 areas to drive down infections
HEALTH
CORONAVIRUS
Saturday 12 December 2020, 1:39pm
A testing centre in Liverpool
Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
England's worst-hit councils will have quick result community testing programmes rolled out to reduce coronavirus infections.
An initial wave of 67 local authorities which are in Tier 3 have received government approval for testing schemes in a bid to drive down infection rates.
More than 1.6m rapid turnaround lateral flow tests will be delivered for use this month, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.
Covid: Christmas restriction easing a 'mistake which will have consequences'
Covid: US approves emergency use of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the enhanced testing programmes follow a successful pilot in Liverpool and will be a “vital additional tool” in finding asymptomatic cases.
Experts have previously suggested relying on rapid tests that give a result in minutes could mean a high proportion of cases are missed with false negative results.
Preliminary data released on Friday by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) suggested the rapid coronavirus tests rolled out in Liverpool missed around 51% of all Covid-19 cases.
A graph showing the number of coronavirus cases in the UK.
A graph showing the number of coronavirus cases in the UK.
Credit: PA Graphics
A paper considered by Sage on November 26 said two days earlier the Liverpool Health Protection Board had decided to pause plans to use the Innova lateral flow test to allow care home visits because they were not accurate enough.
The Government began sending the tests to England’s biggest care homes a week later.
Earlier this month, Dr Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser to NHS Test and Trace, defended the use of the tests, saying they had helped find Covid-19 infections in people without symptoms that would otherwise have been missed, helping to break chains of transmission.
Coronavirus test centre
People carry out asymptomatic testing using lateral flow antigen at a centre at Edinburgh University
Credit: PA
She said people with a negative test were not being told they did not have the disease.
Dr Hopkins also argued the test would help make planned visits to care homes safer by identifying people who could be carrying high levels of the virus unknowingly and stopping them passing it on.
An evaluation by Oxford University and Public Health England workers at Porton Down previously concluded the test has an overall sensitivity of 76.8% – but it detects almost all cases among patients with a high viral load.
Some of the new targeted community testing for approved areas in England is due to start from Monday, with local programmes receiving Government support for at least six weeks, the DHSC said.
Covid-19 growth rates
(PA Graphics)
Credit: PA Graphics
More than 100 local authorities are “engaged in the community testing programme” with more rollouts due to begin in the new year, the department added.
In Oldham, Greater Manchester, increased access to rapid testing will initially focus on higher risk supported living settings, health and social care staff and schools and colleges.
Large manufacturing sites and businesses with workforces of more than 200 people will be tested under plans in Lancashire.
In Kirklees, West Yorkshire, whole-borough community testing and high-risk workplaces will be focused on first.
Urging people in approved areas to be tested, Mr Hancock said: “Community testing will be very important in helping the areas where levels of the virus are highest to drive down infection rates and ultimately will help areas ease tougher restrictions.”
Covid: US approves emergency use of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
Exclusive: ITV News reveals the extent of UK anti-vax social media following
HEALTH
CORONAVIRUS
Most popular
The new Banksy shows a woman blowing buildings over with a sneeze.
Owners of house used for new Banksy work delay sale of property
Prince William pays tribute to 'legend' Barbara Windsor
EastEnders and Carry On actress Dame Barbara Windsor dies aged 83
Top stories
EU offer remains ‘unacceptable’ as negotiators in all-night talks
Brexit: When the PM says no deal would be 'wonderful' - what does he mean?
Christmas easing of restrictions a 'mistake which will have consequences'
Trump loyalists rally as President runs out of legal options
Rapid result Covid testing in Tier 3 areas to drive down infections
Stop assault on planet and increase ambition on climate change, leaders urged
Highs and lows of Boris Johnson's premiership one year since election win
ITV Presents
ITV Hub
ITV Hub+
Be on TV
Competitions
Signed Stories
BritBox Free Trial
Shop
Corporate
ITV Plc
ITV Responsibility
Jobs
Press Centre
ITV Media
Commissioning
Information
TV sign-in code
Help
Contact Us
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Notice
By using this site, you agree we can set and use cookies. For more details of these cookies and how to disable them, see our cookie policy.
© Copyright ITV plc 2020
In Kirklees, West Yorkshire, whole-borough community testing and high-risk workplaces will be focused on first.
Urging people in approved areas to be tested, Mr Hancock said: “Community testing will be very important in helping the areas where levels of the virus are highest to drive down infection rates and ultimately will help areas ease tougher restrictions.”
Covid: US approves emergency use of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
Exclusive: ITV News reveals the extent of UK anti-vax social media following
HEALTH
CORONAVIRUS
Most popular
The new Banksy shows a woman blowing buildings over with a sneeze.
Owners of house used for new Banksy work delay sale of property
Prince William pays tribute to 'legend' Barbara Windsor
EastEnders and Carry On actress Dame Barbara Windsor dies aged 83
Top stories
EU offer remains ‘unacceptable’ as negotiators in all-night talks
Brexit: When the PM says no deal would be 'wonderful' - what does he mean?
Christmas easing of restrictions a 'mistake which will have consequences'
Trump loyalists rally as President runs out of legal options
Rapid result Covid testing in Tier 3 areas to drive down infections
Stop assault on planet and increase ambition on climate change, leaders urged
Highs and lows of Boris Johnson's premiership one year since election win
ITV Presents
ITV Hub
ITV Hub+
Be on TV
Competitions
Signed Stories
BritBox Free Trial
Shop
Corporate
ITV Plc
ITV Responsibility
Jobs
Press Centre
ITV Media
Commissioning
Information
TV sign-in code
Help
Contact Us
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Notice
By using this site, you agree we can set and use cookies. For more details of these cookies and how to disable them, see our cookie policy.
© Copyright ITV plc 2020
