Dear Editor,
A working test and trace system is essential if we’re to stem the rise in Covid-19 cases. Yet this still has not materialised.
With the Government having dished out test and trace contracts to private companies, accountability and transparency have fallen by the wayside at a time when we need it most.
There is understandably a huge amount of frustration in our community about the current lack of access to testing. Key workers, parents trying to get test for their children and care homes have all struggled to access tests or faced long delays to receive their results.
The mobile testing centres dotted across the capital were supposed to plug the gaps by offering walk-in testing without the need for an appointment.
However, the lack of capacity built into the testing chain by the Government has severely limited these vital services.
We can still turn things around. The Government must urgently fix the track and trace system by working with universities and industry leaders to boost lab capacity.
Yours,
Navin Shah AM
London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow