67 local authorities to begin enhanced testing programmes

The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed the first 67 local authorities to start community testing programmes as part of government’s coronavirus Winter Plan.

Over 100 local authorities are engaged in the community testing programme with more rollouts due to begin in the new year. The announcement means that, when combined with existing measures, the community testing offer will help put Tier 3 areas on a route out of the toughest restrictions.

More than 1.6 million lateral flow tests will be immediately delivered for use in December with many more to follow. Government support will be provided to support community testing programmes for a minimum of six weeks, with more Tier 3 local authorities due to join the community testing offer over the coming weeks and into 2021.

Broadening testing to identify those showing no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, and break chains of transmission. With its targeted approach, community testing aims to reduce the prevalence of the virus in the highest risk areas.

Based on their in-depth knowledge of their local community, local authorities have created community testing plans, taking into account detailed prevalence data and demographics. These include: Lancashire plans to start testing with large manufacturing sites, and businesses with workforces greater than 200, as well as more vulnerable groups; and Kirklees plans to undertake whole borough community testing starting in areas of persistently high infection rates and targeting high risk workplaces.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I am really pleased to announce the first areas embarking on enhanced community testing programmes - after the successful work in Liverpool. With one in three people with coronavirus showing no symptoms, increased community testing is a vital additional tool at our disposal to help identify those who are infected and infectious, but unaware that they might be spreading the disease.

“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. This is just the start, and we are working quickly to roll out community testing more widely as soon as more local teams are ready. I urge all those living in areas where community testing is offered to come forward and get tested.”