The concern stems from a lack of data on how well the tests perform when taken by people who do not have Covid-19 symptoms. It is estimated that one in three infected people will display no symptoms of the virus, making it more difficult to track.
A recent Cochrane review – an analysis of 64 studies – found that rapid tests correctly identify on average 58% of people who are infected with the virus but have no symptoms, meaning more than one in three cases are missed. However, this was based on relatively few samples, limiting the conclusions that could be drawn.
The concern is that people will take a one-off test before visiting loved ones indoors, for example, and that they may be carrying the virus even though they have tested negative.
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Boris Johnson’s former chief adviser Dominic Cummings has claimed the department of health was a “smoking ruin” while trying to run key parts of the UK’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The coronavirus vaccination programme only succeeded because it was taken away from Matt Hancock’s department, Mr Cummings said as he called for an urgent inquiry into the government’s handling of the pandemic .
The department’s initial response to the crisis had been an “absolute total disaster”, he said as he gave evidence to MPs.
Mr Cummings, who left Downing Street last year after losing a power struggle at the heart of government, was scathing about what he said were failings in the ability to procure personal protective equipment.
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