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Coronavirus: Government 'may not meet' 100,000 test target Coronavirus: 'Probable' government will miss 100,000 test target
(about 1 hour later)
The government "may not meet" its 100,000 a day coronavirus testing target, a senior minister has admitted. It is "probable" the government will miss its 100,000 a day coronavirus test target, a senior minister has admitted.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock pledged to reach the target by the end of April - but only 52,000 tests were carried out on Tuesday.Health Secretary Matt Hancock pledged to reach the target by the end of April - but only 52,000 tests were carried out on Tuesday.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said the "bold" aim was important but added that "frankly we need more".Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said the "bold" aim was important but added that "frankly we need more".
Hospital chiefs described the figure as a "red herring", saying there was a need to carry out mass testing.Hospital chiefs described the figure as a "red herring", saying there was a need to carry out mass testing.
That strategy has been implemented by other countries, including Germany.That strategy has been implemented by other countries, including Germany.
Mr Hancock set out the government's daily testing target of 100,000 per day on 2 April, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson initially identified an aim to carry out 250,000 tests a day.Mr Hancock set out the government's daily testing target of 100,000 per day on 2 April, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson initially identified an aim to carry out 250,000 tests a day.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr Buckland acknowledged that the government target of 100,000 coronavirus tests may not be met by the end of the month - but said it was important to be "bold" in the circumstances. Mr Buckland told Sky: "Even if we don't hit it, and it's probable that we won't, we will in the next few days hit that target."
On BBC Breakfast, he acknowledged that while the government target may not be met by the end of the month, it was important to be "bold" in the circumstances.
"Even if it [the target] isn't met, we're well on our way to ramping this up and 100,000 is an important milestone, but frankly we need more," he said."Even if it [the target] isn't met, we're well on our way to ramping this up and 100,000 is an important milestone, but frankly we need more," he said.
"Yes, 52,000 isn't 100,000, I know that ... but we are straining every sinew to get there." "Yes, 52,000 isn't 100,000, I know that... but we are straining every sinew to get there."
This week testing has been extended to those with symptoms who are essential workers, over 65 or have to work away from home, as well as to anyone who lives with someone in these groups and has symptoms. But Prof John Newton, the government's testing coordinator, said on Wednesday that he was "pretty confident we will hit that target".
The latest figures announced at Wednesday's briefing showed 52,429 people were tested for Covid-19 in the UK on Tuesday. Prof Newton, director of public health improvement at Public Health England, said there would be a lag due to receiving the data but it would be clear whether the government has reached the target by the end of the week.
Ministers said there is a capacity for about 73,000 tests per day. 'Once a week testing'
Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals and NHS trusts in England, said the UK should replicate mass testing capacity that has been seen in countries such as Germany and South Korea.Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals and NHS trusts in England, said the UK should replicate mass testing capacity that has been seen in countries such as Germany and South Korea.
He said: "The focus on 'we are going to perform 100,000 tests a day' is really a red herring because all it does is measure how many tests get performed today.He said: "The focus on 'we are going to perform 100,000 tests a day' is really a red herring because all it does is measure how many tests get performed today.
"What we need to know is what are we going to do in terms of the testing regime over the next six, eight, 10, 12 weeks as we come out of lockdown?""What we need to know is what are we going to do in terms of the testing regime over the next six, eight, 10, 12 weeks as we come out of lockdown?"
In order to exit lockdown, Mr Hopson said the 800,000 people who work for the NHS would need to be tested around once a week.In order to exit lockdown, Mr Hopson said the 800,000 people who work for the NHS would need to be tested around once a week.
In a report released on Tuesday, NHS Providers said the English health and care system "started from a poor position" and struggled to demonstrate a "clear, effective and well communicated strategy" on testing.
This week testing has been extended to those with symptoms who are essential workers, over 65 or have to work away from home, as well as to anyone who lives with someone in these groups and has symptoms.
The latest figures announced at Wednesday's briefing showed 52,429 people were tested for Covid-19 in the UK on Tuesday.
Ministers said there is a capacity for about 73,000 tests per day.