There are fears the lack of restrictions over New Year in England combined with the Covid testing chaos could supercharge the winter Omicron Covid wave
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Covid testing chaos continues as Brits prepare to celebrate the New Year in the “perfect” circumstances to supercharge the winter Omicron wave.
Government scientists fear the lack of new restrictions in England and another day of PCR and lateral flow test shortages nationwide could create problems.
Boris Johnson decided against restrictions on indoor mixing instead urging people to test themselves before meeting up.
But the British Medical Association said the way key workers are supposed to be prioritised for tests is not working and many NHS staff are absent because they cannot get one to prove they are negative.
Lateral flow tests were unavailable to order from the Government website today 24 hours after pharmacies warned they had insufficient supplies.
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No sites for PCR tests – for those with Covid symptoms or close contacts of confirmed cases – were available in any region.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid admitted the system will need to be “constrained” for a fortnight.
Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said: “A policy based on people needing negative test results to exit isolation requires rapid, reliable and widespread access to those tests. This is not consistently the case.”
Professor Peter Openshaw, who sits on the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, was asked about the prospect of untested people mixing.
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“I think it’s very worrying,” he said. “We know that crowding in poorly ventilated spaces, particularly if shouting over loud music, is perfect in terms of transmitting this highly transmissible virus.”
Revellers in Scotland and Wales started to cross the borders to celebrate tonight. Both countries reintroduced measures after Christmas including nightclub closures.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had urged people not to travel to England to ring in the new year.
But last night, Newcastle Central Station saw groups of Scots preparing to enjoy the city’s famous nightlife. Sarah Hall, 23, who had travelled from Dunbar, said: “I do find it ridiculous that we can’t go out at home, but we can in Newcastle.”
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In a letter to all MPs in England, Mr Javid wrote: “In light of the huge demand for LFDs seen over the last three weeks, we expect to need to constrain the system at certain points over the next two weeks to manage supply over the course of each day.”
At-home PCR tests for the general public were also unavailable yesterday morning but were showing as available for key workers. Postal test kits take longer to return a result.
BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul said: “That’s a step in the right direction but there is no assurance that key workers will be offered them first.
“The rapid spread of the Omicron variant has no doubt had a massive impact on demand for tests.
“However it is vital that the promised new supply of kits are offered to health and social care staff as a priority.
“Being unable to get the tests means staff may not be legally allowed to work and at a time of acute workforce shortages and winter pressures this could be devastating. For example, if a key worker is isolating and needs to have a negative PCR or lateral flow test on day six and seven, and cannot access them, they will not be able to return”.
The number of covid hospital patients in England yesterday was 11,452, up 990 on the day before and an increase of 3,916 since Boxing Day.
The largest percentage increase of 16% in a day was in the North East and Yorkshire region. The latest total is up 61% from a week earlier and is the highest number since February 26.
The number of second waves cases peaked at 34,336 on January 18.
The Royal College of GPs has said Omicron is still “spreading like wildfire” and causing “massive problems” for surgeries. Chairman Professor Martin Marshall said:“We’re seeing increased numbers of staff who are having to self-isolate and that’s putting pressure on the rest of the staff left in general practice.”
The Welsh government has come to the aid of the UK Government by loaning England four million tests, as ministers scramble to secure supplies from around the world.
The devolved Labour administration in Wales announced it will loan the lateral flow tests to England from its “significant stock” of supplies.
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First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The Health Minister has agreed today to loan a further four million such tests to the English NHS, bringing that mutual aid to 10 million.”
The Government announced all eligible adults in England have now had the chance to have a booster jab.
Seven out of 10 eligible over-18s have so far taken up the offer.
Mr Javid added: “I am incredibly proud of the work the NHS has done to accelerate the programme and offer my thanks to the frontline staff, volunteers, Armed Forces and British public who made it possible.”
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