‘Real issue’ with supplies of home testing kits for coronavirus running out

Reports that supplies of coronavirus home testing kits are running out in the region are causing concern among Greater Manchester’s public health bosses.

Councils have said that Covid-19 testing kits are not available in the numbers needed as schools prepare to reopen following the summer holidays.

Speaking at a remote press conference today, Metro Mayor Andy Burnham said the matter requires “urgent attention” from the government.

He said: “There is a real issue with supply of home testing kits. It was raised in our meeting this morning by the lead director of public health.

“The government does urgently need to address that issue and increase supply. It’s insufficient at the moment and it needs to improve.

“That’s not just a Greater Manchester position, I think it’s shared around the country.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that the shortage of home testing kits is not having a detrimental impact on local testing capacity, with no extra strain on centres at the Etihad Stadium or Manchester Airport.

Some councils also run their own local testing centres in their boroughs.

Wigan has a drive-thru testing facility at the Chapel Lane car park which does not appear on the national system but can be booked on the council’s website.

The local authority gets testing swabs from the Department of Health and Social Care and are working with private labs to get the tests analysed.

Bolton has also had a mobile testing facility since the University of Bolton stadium site which was used for testing closed earlier this summer.

Trafford Council said it was made aware of the national issue with home testing kits through the Department of Health and Social Care this week.

A spokesperson said: “These issues are still affecting all parts of the country, including Trafford.

“There are a number of testing sites that residents are able to go to in order to get tested.

“As well as the national sites at Manchester Airport and the Etihad Stadium, we have a mobile testing unit in Stretford and a newly-opened local testing site at Trafford Park.”

The Department of Health and Social Care said there has been high demand for tests at some sites, but capacity for home testing kits will be increased.

A spokesperson said: “NHS Test and Trace is working, it’s completely free, it’s stopping the spread of coronavirus and there is stock for a number of days’ worth of tests available at any one time.

“There has been high demand for appointments at some sites, but more will be available to book every day, home testing kits can still be ordered and we are increasing capacity to 500,000 by the end of October.

“Anyone with symptoms across the UK should get a test as soon as possible as well as washing hands regularly, wearing face coverings and following social distancing rules to stop the spread of the virus.”

Tests can be booked online by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or over the phone by calling 119.

 

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