Test and Trace success rate falls for second week running

South Tyneside's Covid contact tracing success rate has fallen for a second week running, new figures reveal.
Test and Trace success rates have fallen againTest and Trace success rates have fallen again
Test and Trace success rates have fallen again

Data from the Department for Health and Social care shows 3,179 people who tested positive for Covid-19 in South Tyneside were transferred to the Test and Trace service between May 28 and November 4 – with 478 being diagnosed in the final week of that time period.

This led to 6,966 close contacts being identified – but just 62.6% were reached in the week-ending November 4 – down from the 63.6% being contacted as of October 21, and the 63% in the week to October 28.

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In England, only 59% of contacts were reached and told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace week to November 4.

NHS Providers said the test and trace system has a long way to go to be effective.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents trust leaders, said: "The number of people who tested positive for COVID this week has increased by 8%.

"Despite this, it is worrying to see fewer close contacts identified than the previous week, and with over 124,000 not reached this week it highlights how far the system has to go to be effective.”

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She added: "We remain hopeful that the number of people testing positive for COVID will reduce as national lockdown continues.

"We are however realistic about the fact that this winter is going to be extremely challenging, particularly so without a world class testing and contact tracing system."