When schools returned in September, the sudden spike in demand for Covid-19 tests caught the test and trace programme out. Dido Harding, head of NHS test and trace, told MPs back then that demand was ‘significantly outstripping the capacity we have’. It was a predictable situation – but has the government learned its lesson? Sadly, it appears not.
With Christmas only a week away, Brits have taken heed of the warnings not to give anything nasty to granny when they sit down for lunch on the big day. Unsurprisingly, many are keen to get tested as a result. University students are also returning home in their droves, adding extra demand for tests. And the recent spike in infections has also put the test and trace programme under strain. All of these things could have been foreseen – and, indeed, Mr S hears that tens of millions of Covid tests have been purchased. But sadly they are not currently getting to all the people that need them.
When Mr S tried to book his test he was told that ‘There are no more home tests available’ and to ‘try again later’.
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