Local health officials want more control over testing

Local public health leaders in England are demanding greater control over the coronavirus testing system after accusing ministers of giving mixed messages about tests’ availability.

Seen by the Guardian, leaders have circulated a list of complaints about the way it the system is currently running, prompted by fears that a capacity shortage is hindering attempts to quell local outbreaks.

The directors of public health want local testing units to be dedicated to local people rather than being made available nationally, in some cases to people who live hundreds of miles away.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock recently said that the centralised system was being overwhelmed by people trying to book tests when they did not have coronavirus symptoms, with as many as 25 per cent of the people who are coming forward were not eligible for a test.

Shadow Health Secretary John Ashworth accused ministers of ‘seeking to blame people for simply doing what they were advised’, saying that it was obvious that extra testing capacity would be needed with students returning to school and the government encouraging employees to return to their workplaces.

Jeanelle de Gruchy, the president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, said: “It is crucial not only that the quantity of tests is sufficient, but that that testing capacity is targeted and used in such a way that those with symptoms can access tests near to where they live and receive their result back promptly. Clear and concise communication from the government on who is eligible for testing is vital.”