Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Community Testing

Tuesday 12 January 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Community asymptomatic testing has delivered over 5 million lateral flow tests to 117 local authorities in England.
  • Agreement on the importance of local access for both vaccine and testing centres to ensure community engagement.
  • Rapid lateral flow tests are clinically evaluated, identifying two thirds of asymptomatic cases with high viral load.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Karl McCartney Con
NHS
Context

The question arises from concerns over rolling out community asymptomatic testing effectively.

Question

What progress has been made on rolling out community testing for covid-19? I am concerned about the effective distribution and implementation of these tests in communities across England.

Answer from Helen Whately

Community asymptomatic testing is an important tool. We have delivered over 5 million lateral flow tests to 117 local authorities that have begun testing, expanding rapidly to all remaining English authorities and collaborating with devolved Administrations on plans.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Alexander Stafford
NHS
Context

The question stems from the opening of a community testing centre in Rother Valley, with concerns about accessibility for elderly individuals.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that the key to both community testing and vaccine uptake is local access? Can she assure me that vaccine and testing centres will be sited appropriately, including in areas like Swallownest and Maltby?

Answer from Helen Whately

Agreeing with the importance of local access. Ensuring people can access community testing as needed, including through vaccination centre locations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific siting assurances for Swallownest and Maltby

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Heather Wheeler Con
NHS
Context

The question relates to the opening of community testing centres and the reliability of rapid lateral flow tests.

Question

Will the Minister confirm that the rapid lateral flow tests used are accurate and reliable? Can she also welcome the opening of community testing centres around Swadlincote?

Answer from Helen Whately

Joining my hon. Friend in welcoming Swadlincote's testing centres. Lateral flow tests are clinically evaluated, identifying two thirds of asymptomatic cases with high viral load, making them an important tool for tackling transmission.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Karl McCartney Con
Education
Context

The question focuses on providing rapid lateral flow tests to schoolteachers to support teaching and exam conditions.

Question

What measures can be taken to provide readily available rapid lateral flow antigen tests for schoolteachers, to enable them to continue teaching safely?

Answer from Helen Whately

Most secondary schools and colleges have set up testing sites using lateral flow devices. Primary schools will receive weekly staff testing kits soon, enabling ongoing safety measures in educational settings.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
NHS
Context

The question addresses the issue of people not complying with self-isolation rules, particularly due to financial support gaps.

Question

Can the Minister ensure proper support for those who must self-isolate? Why can't those testing positive via lateral flow tests apply for isolation payment or enter test and trace?

Answer from Helen Whately

Recognising that self-isolation is essential but challenging. Introduced a £500 payment for low-income individuals unable to work from home while isolating, aiming to improve compliance with isolation rules.

Partly answered

Not addressed: lateral flow test result inconsistencies and support gaps

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email