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Testing should be a priority

There are good reasons why the UK government needs to do more to roll out testing for coronavirus. First, because without doing so, we are working in the dark about the spread of the virus in the population.  Second, because those who have been infected with the virus and recovered would have built up immunity, and it would prevent unnecessary confinement.



The more we get a grip on that kind of knowledge, the more people we can get back to work.

The WHO was right at the outset to call for widespread testing: test, test, test.   We should not be making plans in the dark.

Testing played a vital role in South Korea in their apparently successful attempts to gain control of the virus.

The South Koreans introduced testing tents in the streets.   Testing wasn't an add on.  It was a vital plank of the Korean strategy.

Testing can save lives.  If people are sure they are infected with the virus, then they could get treatment at an early stage and increase chances of survival if they are in a vulnerable category.

Social distancing without testing is leaving people and authorities in the dark.   We need to know how many people are likely to have gained immunity, and we need to know if the spread is being contained.

The message for the government is clear.  Make testing a priority.


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