Covid-19 Tests for Key Workers 2020-05-05
2020-05-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Neill inquires about the progress of ensuring that all key workers can access a covid-19 test, mentioning specific issues with care home testing.
Neill asks why test results through Care Quality Commission referrals are taking 5 to 7 days instead of the estimated 72 hours and questions why care homes receive names of positive residents but not staff due to data protection reasons, causing uncertainty.
Hancock expresses satisfaction with the testing roll-out for care homes and acknowledges the importance of testing. He agrees to look into the detailed issues raised by Neill regarding test result delays through CQC referrals and data protection concerns about not disclosing positive staff names.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Ashworth highlights the need to protect key workers, especially in healthcare, and refers to a study from Imperial College suggesting weekly screening of healthcare workers reduces transmission.
Ashworth welcomes Hancock's comments on testing but asks if he has considered the Imperial study indicating that weekly testing of asymptomatic healthcare staff could reduce their contribution to transmission by 25% to 33%, and inquires about plans for widespread testing of all healthcare staff, regardless of symptoms.
Hancock welcomes Ashworth's question in a responsible manner and mentions the test, track and trace pilot on the Isle of Wight. He confirms that asymptomatic NHS staff are being tested weekly in 16 trusts as part of pilots which have been successful and will be expanded further.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy