Greater detail needed on test and tracing

Clive Betts has written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson requesting greater detail on the government’s approach to implementing contact test and tracing.

Betts, who chairs the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, said that he is seeking clarity on the apparent discrepancy between comments indicating that local authorities would lead on developing local responses to future outbreaks of coronavirus and the over-arching role of the Joint Biosecurity Council in setting the direction of the coronavirus response. This follows Johnson’s recent appearance before the Liaison Committee.

The letter also requests clarification on the role of local authorities, and other relevant bodies, in developing and implementing tailored outbreak control plans to combat the virus. The letter additionally requests greater clarity on the role of the Joint Biosecurity Council in guiding the direction of local committees, as well as providing data and guidance to identify outbreaks.