Until we have the promised 'world class testing system' we are coming out of lockdown prematurely

Even with the current modest easing of the rules, the test and trace machinery may prove inadequate at dealing with the expected level of new infections, writes Sean O'Grady

(PA)

A few days ago the prime minister told the House of Commons that the whole of Britain would have a “world class” coronavirus contact testing system in place by June 1st. It turns out that the country won’t even have a “world class” testing app in place on the Isle of Wight by then.

The immediate problem is obvious. If the app is not ready, the teams of tracers not recruited and trained, and the system of responsibilities not clearly allocated between public health agencies, local authorities and national government, the system will collapse.

Even with the current modest easing of the rules, the test and trace machinery may prove inadequate to the likely task of dealing with the expected level of new infections, with no margin for safety. If so, the rate of transmission of the virus will increase.