Covid test shortages set to last for weeks, Matt Hancock admits
4 years, 6 months ago

Covid test shortages set to last for weeks, Matt Hancock admits

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. When Jeremy Hunt, the chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, asked whether the secretary of state was still confident that the problem could be solved next week, Mr Hancock replied: “I think we will be able to solve this problem in a matter of weeks … we are managing to deliver record capacity, but as he well knows demand is also high.” Mr Hancock suggested that rationing might need to be reintroduced, telling MPs that the testing programme was “having to prioritise once again”. His admission of a problem came as health leaders warned the test shortages were affecting the NHS with frontline staff forced to stay away from work because they couldn’t get tested. “We need to see concrete evidence that the promised further increases in testing capacity and faster testing are achievable, and we also need immediate action to prioritise testing for key workers.” In the Commons, MP after MP complained that people in their local area had been unable to get tested. Mr Hancock said last week the recent increase in demand was driven by people who “aren’t eligible”.

Test Tests Testing Covid Need Capacity Hancock Nhs Westminster Email View Mr Hancock Testing Capacity Secretary Told  shortages  tests  testing  admits  weeks  capacity  demand  secretary  told  covid  set  test  problem  hancock  need  matt

History of this topic

Covid Inquiry: State failings led to mass death and suffering, damning report concludes - Health Secretaries Hancock and Hunt did not prepare UK for 'catastrophic' pandemic that killed more than 230,0
8 months, 1 week ago

Covid Inquiry: State failings led to mass death and suffering, damning report concludes - Health Secretaries Hancock and Hunt did not prepare UK for 'catastrophic' pandemic that killed more than 230,0

Daily Mail  

The UK Government's failure to prepare for a 'forseeable' pandemic led to mass death, 'untold misery' and 'economic turmoil', the Covid-19 Inquiry has concluded. Baroness Heather Hallett, who chaired the Covid 19 Inquiry, highlighting the grave lack of preparedness and resilience that meant the virus tore through communities and overwhelmed the NHS The inquiry said it had 'no hesitation' in …

Ensure Covid Tools in Hospital: Min.
1 year, 3 months ago

Ensure Covid Tools in Hospital: Min.

Deccan Chronicle  

Hyderabad: Health minister C. Damodar Rajanarasimha on Saturday directed health authorities to inspect the functioning of ventilators in various hospitals and ordered the immediate utilisation of oxygen concentrators for treatment. During a comprehensive review of Covid-19 control measures in the backdrop of cases rising again, Rajanarasimha emphasised the swift restoration of PSA plants in hospitals that are facing oxygen shortage. …

Matt Hancock defends catastrophic decision to empty Covid-infected patients into care homes: Ex-Health Secretary says MORE patients could have died without 'difficult option' in grilling over testing
1 year, 3 months ago

Matt Hancock defends catastrophic decision to empty Covid-infected patients into care homes: Ex-Health Secretary says MORE patients could have died without 'difficult option' in grilling over testing

Daily Mail  

Matt Hancock today boldly claimed that more Brits could have died if potentially Covid-infected hospital patients weren't discharged untested into care homes. Mr Hancock told the Covid inquiry that every decision on discharging care home patients during the pandemic was 'a choice between difficult options' The inquiry also heard that Mr Hancock was warned that there should be a 'focused …

Biden administration announces $600M to produce COVID tests and will reopen website to order them
1 year, 6 months ago

Biden administration announces $600M to produce COVID tests and will reopen website to order them

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it is providing $600 million in funding to produce new at-home COVID-19 tests and is restarting a website allowing Americans to again order up to four free tests per household — aiming to prevent possible shortages during a rise in coronavirus cases that has typically come during colder months. “Anticipating that that …

Covid cases double in a month as scientists warn about spread of new variants
1 year, 7 months ago

Covid cases double in a month as scientists warn about spread of new variants

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Covid cases in England have almost doubled in a month after …

Matt Hancock arrives to give evidence to Covid-19 inquiry
1 year, 8 months ago

Matt Hancock arrives to give evidence to Covid-19 inquiry

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Former health secretary Matt Hancock has arrived to give evidence …

Matt Hancock: What are claims and counterclaims over leaked Covid messages?
2 years ago

Matt Hancock: What are claims and counterclaims over leaked Covid messages?

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty is said to have …

Ex-UK health chief defends record after COVID messages leak
2 years ago

Ex-UK health chief defends record after COVID messages leak

Associated Press  

LONDON — Britain’s former health minister on Wednesday denied wrongdoing after a newspaper published extracts of private messages he sent in the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. The Daily Telegraph said the exchanges show that then-Health Secretary Matt Hancock ignored scientific advice to test everyone entering nursing homes for COVID-19. Hancock said the WhatsApp messages had been deceptively edited, …

Jacob Rees-Mogg 'had a Covid test for one of his children couriered to his home amid a shortage'
2 years ago

Jacob Rees-Mogg 'had a Covid test for one of his children couriered to his home amid a shortage'

Daily Mail  

Jacob Rees-Mogg had a Covid test personally delivered for one of his children during a national testing shortage, according to leaked WhatsApp messages. Then Health Secretary Matt Hancock's special adviser organised the test just two days after the director of NHS Test and Trace was forced to give 'heartfelt apologies' to anyone who could not get one due to shortages …

Number of Covid-19 hospital patients down by nearly half after recent peak
2 years, 4 months ago

Number of Covid-19 hospital patients down by nearly half after recent peak

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The number of people in hospital in England with Covid-19 …

Covid cases in UK are rising again: 1 in 35 people in England now infected
2 years, 5 months ago

Covid cases in UK are rising again: 1 in 35 people in England now infected

Hindustan Times  

Coronavirus cases are rising in the UK with infections increasing in all regions in England in the last week, except the northeast, Sky News reported quoting government experts. This marks the fourth consecutive increase in infections in England as the estimated number of people testing positive for Covid was 1,513,700, equating to 2.78 per cent of the population. "Infections have …

Covid cases surge across UK again as one in 35 people in England now has virus
2 years, 5 months ago

Covid cases surge across UK again as one in 35 people in England now has virus

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In England, the estimated number of people testing positive was …

Covid cases jump by 800,000 in a week
2 years, 8 months ago

Covid cases jump by 800,000 in a week

The Telegraph  

Covid-19 infections in the UK have jumped by nearly 800,000 in a week, with some parts of the country nearing the record levels seen during the spring. This is the highest estimate for total infections since mid-April, but is still below the record of 4.9 million seen at the peak of the omicron BA.2 wave at the end of March. …

Number of hospital patients in England with Covid-19 tops 10,000
2 years, 8 months ago

Number of hospital patients in England with Covid-19 tops 10,000

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The 10,658 hospital patients in England who currently have Covid-19 is nearly two thirds …

About 350 Covid-19 patients in hospitals; Only 1,400 tested daily for coronavirus
2 years, 9 months ago

About 350 Covid-19 patients in hospitals; Only 1,400 tested daily for coronavirus

NL Times  

Hospitals in the Netherlands were treating 354 patients with Covid-19 on Monday. That was 21 percent lower than a week earlier, when 447 people were receiving treatment for the disease, figures from the LCPS showed. The RIVM said on Tuesday that 7,088 people tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus during the preceding seven days. The GGD found 619 people who …

Coronavirus hospitalisations, IC admissions and deaths continue to decline
2 years, 11 months ago

Coronavirus hospitalisations, IC admissions and deaths continue to decline

Dutch News  

The number of people hospitalised because of coronavirus in the past week was again down sharply, according to the latest figures from public health institute RIVM. The number of people admitted to intensive care has also gone down, from 72 a week ago to 50 in the past seven days. Dutch testing policy has now changed and people who test …

Coronavirus hospitalisations, IC admissions and deaths continue to decline
2 years, 11 months ago

Coronavirus hospitalisations, IC admissions and deaths continue to decline

Dutch News  

The number of people hospitalised because of coronavirus in the past week was again down sharply, according to the latest figures from public health institute RIVM. The number of people admitted to intensive care has also gone down, from 72 a week ago to 50 in the past seven days. Dutch testing policy has now changed and people who test …

‘Brutal’ NHS pressures stop Covid testing
2 years, 11 months ago

‘Brutal’ NHS pressures stop Covid testing

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Overstretched hospitals are stopping routine Covid tests for new patients as …

UK hits record COVID-19 levels; nearly 5 million infected
2 years, 11 months ago

UK hits record COVID-19 levels; nearly 5 million infected

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

COVID at record levels in U.K. with almost 5 million infected
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID at record levels in U.K. with almost 5 million infected

LA Times  

The latest U.K. estimates suggest that the steep climb in new infections since late February, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson scrapped all remaining coronavirus restrictions in England, continued well into March. Nonetheless, the latest estimates suggest that the steep climb in new infections since late February, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson scrapped all remaining coronavirus restrictions in England, continued well …

Free coronavirus testing ends for millions of people in England
2 years, 11 months ago

Free coronavirus testing ends for millions of people in England

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Free coronavirus testing has ended for millions of people in …

Free Covid testing ends as health chief warns pandemic to ‘remain unpredictable’
2 years, 11 months ago

Free Covid testing ends as health chief warns pandemic to ‘remain unpredictable’

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Government’s “living with Covid” plan means free testing will only continue for certain …

UK's daily Covid cases jump by another THIRD in a week
3 years ago

UK's daily Covid cases jump by another THIRD in a week

Daily Mail  

Covid cases in the UK have soared by a third in a week and daily hospital admissions have hit a two-month high, with the country's resurgence showing no signs of slowing. Mr Javid also revealed today that fifth Covid jabs could be rolled out this autumn, in the strongest hint yet that the vaccination programme will be expanded again. Get …

Rise in Covid cases ‘expected’ – Health Secretary
3 years ago

Rise in Covid cases ‘expected’ – Health Secretary

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Meanwhile, Mr Javid said that a “handful” of cases of the so-called Deltacron variant …

At long last, WHO issues coronavirus testing advice
3 years ago

At long last, WHO issues coronavirus testing advice

LA Times  

A woman is tested for a coronavirus infection at the Lenasia South Hospital near Johannesburg in South Africa. The advice comes months after critics said the lack of recommendations from the global health agency was compromising efforts to stop the pandemic in poor countries. At a press briefing on Wednesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency was concerned …

Covid: Lateral flow tests already being rationed as government winds down free scheme
3 years, 1 month ago

Covid: Lateral flow tests already being rationed as government winds down free scheme

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The government …

Free Covid tests are set to STAY for over-80s and most vulnerable
3 years, 1 month ago

Free Covid tests are set to STAY for over-80s and most vulnerable

Daily Mail  

Over-80s and the most vulnerable will still be offered free Covid tests after they are scrapped nationwide, it was claimed today. Boris Johnson will unveil his 'living with Covid' strategy later today, with the Prime Minister expected to lay out a timetable for axing public access to lateral flow and PCR swabs. No10's business minister Paul Scully today said the …

UK: People with COVID in England won’t need to self-isolate
3 years, 1 month ago

UK: People with COVID in England won’t need to self-isolate

Associated Press  

LONDON — People with COVID-19 won’t be legally required to self-isolate in England starting in the coming week, the U.K. government has announced, as part of a plan for “living with COVID” that is also likely to see testing for the coronavirus scaled back. “We’ve reached a stage where we think you can shift the balance away from state mandation, …

Covid UK: Daily cases fall for 13th day in a row to just 41,648
3 years, 1 month ago

Covid UK: Daily cases fall for 13th day in a row to just 41,648

Daily Mail  

Britain's daily Covid cases fell for the 13th day in a row today, while hospitalisations and deaths also continued to trend downwards as the Omicron wave subsides. Last week a SAGE subcommittee told the Government to consider the 'unintended consequences' before lifting all remaining Covid restrictions, and scrapping free lateral flow tests. But they must wait 12 weeks between doses …

Covid news: UK cases and deaths drop as isolation cut to five days and departing Van-Tam praised
3 years, 2 months ago

Covid news: UK cases and deaths drop as isolation cut to five days and departing Van-Tam praised

The Independent  

✕ Close Health secretary announces Covid isolation period cut to five days from next week Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. …

Public warned of longer waits for PCR tests if they are not essential workers
3 years, 2 months ago

Public warned of longer waits for PCR tests if they are not essential workers

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Health Secretary has told people they may have to …

Is Britain’s Covid test shortage unique, and is Brexit to blame?
3 years, 2 months ago

Is Britain’s Covid test shortage unique, and is Brexit to blame?

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A shortage of Covid home test kits is hitting the UK …

NSW Health prioritises 'clinically urgent' testing as COVID-19 daily case tally nearly doubles to 11,201
3 years, 2 months ago

NSW Health prioritises 'clinically urgent' testing as COVID-19 daily case tally nearly doubles to 11,201

ABC  

NSW Health will prioritise COVID-19 testing for "clinically urgent" cases as the daily infection tally in the state almost doubles in a day, with 11,201 cases and three deaths recorded. Key points: Yesterday, the state recorded 6,062 cases from 93,581 swabs Many testing sites across NSW continue to operate with reduced hours or have not reopened QLD will scrap its …

Healthcare worker exposes the real reason behind the Covid testing debacle
3 years, 2 months ago

Healthcare worker exposes the real reason behind the Covid testing debacle

Daily Mail  

A NSW healthcare worker has lifted the lid on the workings of a Covid pathology lab - as employees scramble to keep up with the sheer amount of positive cases coming through. pictured: Testing clinic at Bondi on December 28 Ms Cantarella has been run off her feet in a Covid ward and is demanding better conditions and a pay …

Finding a Covid-19 test is a struggle right now in the US as Omicron and holiday plans collide
3 years, 3 months ago

Finding a Covid-19 test is a struggle right now in the US as Omicron and holiday plans collide

CNN  

CNN — With coronavirus cases surging once again, frustrated Americans are struggling to get tested days before Christmas as long lines and increased demand overwhelm some facilities across the country. People who have been previously infected with Covid-19 and remain unvaccinated “should not assume that have protection against Omicron,” US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said Tuesday. As to whether …

One in four UK local authorities have record Covid-19 case rates
3 years, 3 months ago

One in four UK local authorities have record Covid-19 case rates

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy About one in four local authority areas in the UK …

New hurdle for COVID-19 home testing -- the holiday season
3 years, 4 months ago

New hurdle for COVID-19 home testing -- the holiday season

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Millions more home tests for COVID-19 are hitting store shelves, but will there be enough for Americans hoping to screen themselves before holiday gatherings? White House officials say the U.S. is on pace to have about 200 million home tests per month by December, quadrupling the number from this summer. Market leader Abbott says it is back to …

More than half a million have a free coronavirus test in run up to stricter rules
3 years, 4 months ago

More than half a million have a free coronavirus test in run up to stricter rules

Dutch News  

A record 534,000 coronavirus tests were booked as part of the ‘test for entry’ scheme over the past week, the foundation running the programme said on Monday. Around half the people getting tested said they planned to visit a restaurant, café or club, while 5% were planning to take part in some form of sports. The QR code shows if …

More than half a million have a free coronavirus test in run up to stricter rules
3 years, 4 months ago

More than half a million have a free coronavirus test in run up to stricter rules

Dutch News  

A record 534,000 coronavirus tests were booked as part of the ‘test for entry’ scheme over the past week, the foundation running the programme said on Monday. Around half the people getting tested said they planned to visit a restaurant, café or club, while 5% were planning to take part in some form of sports. The QR code shows if …

Covid-19 UK: Top Government adviser hints No10 could drop mass testing from January
3 years, 4 months ago

Covid-19 UK: Top Government adviser hints No10 could drop mass testing from January

Daily Mail  

Britain's mass coronavirus testing programme could be abandoned in the new year, one of the Government's experts hinted today. Professor Lucy Chappell, chief scientific adviser to the Department of Health and Social Care, said the Government was committed to mass testing — including of schoolchildren — until at least January but is considering dropping the programme after that. But Sir …

UK Covid cases continue to grow: Infections increase by 20% in a week
3 years, 7 months ago

UK Covid cases continue to grow: Infections increase by 20% in a week

Daily Mail  

Britain has recorded 49 coronavirus deaths today and 32,253 new positive tests. Britain has recorded 49 coronavirus deaths today and 32,253 new positive tests The programme, which will offer tests to thousands of adults per day, aims to improve understanding and gain 'vital' data about antibody protection following Covid infection and vaccination. Mother-of-three, 31, dies of Covid after two-week battle …

Positive coronavirus tests soar to 5,475 as ministers ponder tighter rules
3 years, 8 months ago

Positive coronavirus tests soar to 5,475 as ministers ponder tighter rules

Dutch News  

The number of positive coronavirus tests soared to 5,475 in the 24 hours to Thursday morning, leaving the government considering bringing back some of the measures which were abandoned last month. Although the rise in positive tests has not yet translated into an increase in hospital admissions, ‘things are going fast’, health minister Hugo de Jonge said in an initial …

Positive coronavirus tests soar to 5,475 as ministers ponder tighter rules
3 years, 8 months ago

Positive coronavirus tests soar to 5,475 as ministers ponder tighter rules

Dutch News  

The number of positive coronavirus tests soared to 5,475 in the 24 hours to Thursday morning, leaving the government considering bringing back some of the measures which were abandoned last month. Although the rise in positive tests has not yet translated into an increase in hospital admissions, ‘things are going fast’, health minister Hugo de Jonge said in an initial …

UK's daily COVID cases pass 32,000 for first time since January
3 years, 8 months ago

UK's daily COVID cases pass 32,000 for first time since January

India TV News  

Britain has reported another 32,548 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, the highest daily increase since January, according to official figures released on Wednesday. More than 45.5 million people in Britain have received the first jab of Covid-19 vaccine and over 34 million people have received two doses, the official figures showed. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday …

More than two million may have suffered from long Covid
3 years, 9 months ago

More than two million may have suffered from long Covid

The Telegraph  

The study, yet to be peer-reviewed, indicates that long Covid is higher among women, people who are overweight or obese, those who smoke, live in deprived areas or who had been admitted to hospital. "Long Covid is still poorly understood, but we hope that through our research we can contribute to better identification and management of this condition, which our …

Over 10,000 Covid cases reported in UK for first time since February
3 years, 9 months ago

Over 10,000 Covid cases reported in UK for first time since February

India Today  

The UK's latest surge in coronavirus infections gathered pace on Thursday with new confirmed cases rising above 10,000 for the first time in nearly four months as a result of the spread of the more contagious delta variant. The government's chief medical adviser, Professor Chris Whitty, said the height of the current surge is “still uncertain” but that it “will …

Covid vaccines to be offered to over-25s
3 years, 9 months ago

Covid vaccines to be offered to over-25s

The Independent  

✕ Close Over-25s can book Covid vaccine, Matt Hancock announces.mp4 For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The …

UK reports zero new Covid deaths for first time since July 2020
3 years, 9 months ago

UK reports zero new Covid deaths for first time since July 2020

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK has reported no new deaths within 28 days of …

UK expert warns of 3rd Covid wave as country reports another 3,383 cases
3 years, 9 months ago

UK expert warns of 3rd Covid wave as country reports another 3,383 cases

India TV News  

UK expert warns of 3rd Covid wave as country reports another 3,383 cases Another 3,383 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,487,339, according to official figures released Monday. A British government advisory scientist warned on Monday that Britain could be in the early stages of a third …

Coronavirus: UK records 17 more Covid deaths and 2,685 cases on Tuesday
3 years, 10 months ago

Coronavirus: UK records 17 more Covid deaths and 2,685 cases on Tuesday

Daily Mail  

Britain today confirmed another 17 Covid deaths and 2,685 infections as the numbers continued to fall but Boris Johnson warned the country is 'not out of the woods yet'. The number of people getting tested for coronavirus is surging because rapid lateral flow tests are now offered for free to everyone who wants them and also mandated for school staff …

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