14.08.20
Contact tracing reaches 250,000 people through NHS Test and Trace
Newly-released statistics are showing NHS Test and Trace is managing to reach the majority of people testing positive for coronavirus and their contacts, in line with the recognised metric of success for contact tracing services around the world.
Having reached 250,000 people since its launch ten weeks ago, the statistics showed NHS Test and Trace is reaching 79% of those who test positive and 83.4% of their contacts where contact details were provided.
Published amid a context of 12% more people getting tested compared to the previous week, the data suggests the public health campaigns run by NHS Test and Trace encouraging greater uptake in testing for those with possible symptoms of the virus is working.
In-person testing at mobile testing units, drive-through and walk-through testing sites all continue to deliver results promptly, with data showing 93.6% of tests being returned the next day.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “It’s essential we get the country moving again so people can get back to doing what they love.
“Our statistics show more people with symptoms are getting tested and NHS Test and Trace reaches the vast majority of people testing positive, and their contacts.
“We are seeing a significant rise in the number of people with symptoms getting tested, and 90% of people who turn up to be tested get their results by the next day.”