Mayor calls for same-day testing for all

• Sadiq says an effective test-trace-isolate and support system must be in place before lockdown measures are relaxed any further
• Anyone with coronavirus symptoms must be able to be tested that day and receive their result within 24-48 hours, with fast-track access to support for high-risk cases
• A comprehensive tracing system taking into account London’s population, density, diversity, and unique challenges is essential to prevent a second wave

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today (Thursday 14 May) called on the Government to urgently develop and introduce a largescale effective test-trace-isolate and support system to prevent a second wave of the coronavirus.

The Mayor has called for same-day testing – as soon as a person develops symptoms – to be introduced for all Londoners with coronavirus symptoms, for results to be received within 24-48 hours, fast-track access to support for those most at risk, and a comprehensive tracing system to alert their contacts.

The capital has had the highest number of deaths in the country from COVID-19, but Londoners have helped to reduce the spread of the virus by following the lockdown measures. Sadiq says this has created a ‘window of opportunity’ and that an effective test-trace-isolate and support system must be introduced before lockdown measures are eased any further.

The experience of other countries has shown that new outbreaks are highly likely and that without a rapid test-trace-isolate and support system in place these clusters can quickly spiral out of control. Germany, Singapore and South Korea adopted extensive testing and contact tracing at an early stage in the crisis; New Zealand and Australia have put enhanced measures in place as part of their lockdown easing plans; and New York State is rolling out America’s largest ever contact tracing scheme ahead of the easing of measures.

Currently not everyone in London can apply for a COVID-19 test and Government guidance is for those who qualify to apply for a test in the first three days of experiencing symptoms, with it potentially taking one or two days to arrange. It can then take more than three days to get the result. Sadiq believes testing must be available to everyone who needs it on the first day they develop symptoms and the results should be provided within 24-48 hours with contact tracing to immediately follow in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

The Mayor is urging the Government to make home-testing available to anyone who needs one, but if this can’t be provided at sufficient scale a safe an accessible alternative must be made available. He believes high-risk, vulnerable and shielded groups should receive fast-track access to medical support and advice, as well as BAME communities who have suffered a disproportionate impact from COVID-19.

Once cases have been identified a successful contact tracing system, which has been widely implemented in other countries, needs to be in place on a widespread scale to prevent further spread. The Mayor is calling on the Government to ensure that London’s health and care system and local government have the resources and flexibility to deliver a system of comprehensive contact tracing which takes account of London’s population, density, diversity, and unique challenges, and surpasses the scale of testing and tracing seen in other global cities.

Research has shown that approximately 40 per cent of symptomatic coronavirus transmission takes place before symptoms appear, which is why a fast tracing system is so important and why the Mayor has asked all Londoners to wear non-medical face coverings where they can’t keep a safe social distance.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Sadly we know COVID-19 hit London faster and more severely than the rest of the UK, but thanks to the monumental efforts of Londoners who have followed the Government’s instructions, we have reduced the virus in the capital.

“Rapid and accessible testing and comprehensive contact tracing has been proven as an effective strategy to control the virus. It was a mistake for the Government to abandon this approach in early March and it must now make up lost ground so our city can start to re-open safely.

“We have a small window of opportunity to stop the virus spreading further, so it’s vital the Government acts now. We need to urgently roll out an effective test-trace-isolate and support system which will mean all Londoners can be tested as soon as they exhibit symptoms, receive their result in 24-48 hours and allow their contacts who may be at risk of infection to be effectively traced and then tested.

“We have seen the important role that these systems have played in saving lives and restoring public confidence in countries like Germany, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Singapore, and we’re ready to work with Government to ensure we have a system that meets London’s unique needs. It’s vital that this is in place before there is any further lifting of the lockdown so we can avoid a disastrous second wave of the virus that could overwhelm our NHS and result in more tragic deaths.”