As we pass the peak of new cases of COViD19 in the UK, thoughts trun to when – and how – the lockdown can be lifted.

The key to any ordered resumption to normal life is testing.

The New York Times writes this morning:

“Have we slowed the spread of the coronavirus? Are we past the peak? When can we safely ease restrictions? How can we head off a second wave of infections? The answers all depend on swift, accurate, widespread and readily available testing, both for active infections and for the antibodies they leave behind. Without it, officials trying to grapple with the pandemic are flying blind.”

Furthr’s research suggests that the UK is nowhere near the level of testing promised by the government.The government memorably promised 100,00 tests a day by the end of April, which is under two weeks away.

Current rates are under 10,0000 tests a day and not rising anytime soon (see trend-line on chart). That means the government has already missed its interim target of 25,000 test a day by mid-April.

Any organised plan to relax restrictions would depend on thorough testing.

In the US business executives told President Trump on a conference call that much wider testing is needed before reopening the economy. They said they were worried about huge lawsuits if workers were called back too soon and became infected on the job.

Posted in: Infographic of the day