5: JOURNEYS

TESTS are still not available in many of the areas with the highest Covid infection rates.

Yesterday, it was not possible to book a test in 15 of the 20 areas in England with the top rates. Those in areas where tests were available faced drives of up to 55 miles – and those without a vehicle had to travel more than 7.5 miles for a walk-in appointment.

The PM said the average distance travelled is 5.8miles. But this refers to the number of people who have made the journey and does not show the distance FAILING PM offered on the website. It is Boris Johnson also the distance as the crow flies. And there are no figures for the number passing on a test as it was too far away.

The Government's figures show the PM is failing to meet his target, set for the end of June, for results within 24 hours. In the week ending September 2, only 58% of tests taken at regional sites were back within 24 hours.

6: SWABS

DEPARTMENT of Health documents show the company Randox, awarded a £133million testing contract, had to dispose of 12,401 used swabs in a single day. Swab tests are usually voided because of “swab leaks” and “damaged tubes” during transit. Randox says it has “no responsibility for the logistics of sample delivery to laboratories”.

The lack of testing capacity has also seen tests sent to labs in Germany and Italy, which has increased the risk of samples being damaged in transit.

Some tests sent to Germany were reportedly voided as they were transported at the wrong temperature, according to the Sunday Times. Delays at testing centres have also been blamed on a shortage of staff, either because of holidays or through illness.

This has been compounded by students employed over the summer to process tests returning to university. STAFF BLOW Official with test