Responding to news that the latest figures for NHS Test & Trace show that nearly 30% of people who tested positive for coronavirus last week were not reached by contact tracers, Liberal Democrat Health, Wellbeing and Social Care spokesperson Munira Wilson said: “The latest tracing figures are alarming and provide yet more evidence that England’s Test & Trace system is in disarray.
“With the Prime Minister’s announcement that lockdown will ease dramatically in a few days’ time, a robust and effective system to test, trace and isolate every case of coronavirus to keep people safe is absolutely critical. Without this system – let alone a cure or a vaccine – the risks of a second peak are grave indeed.
“Millions have made heartbreaking sacrifices since lockdown began. Rushing the return to a ‘new normal’ without the proper safeguards in place risks going backwards. Ministers must be crystal clear about the action they are taking to guarantee the system is fully functional by 4 July. They must also confirm how they will deal with new surges, including plans for local lockdowns.”