Gove refuses to set date for all NHS staff to get tested

Cabinet minister Michael Gove has refused to say when all NHS workers will receive coronavirus testing, despite widespread concern among medics.

Tests for frontline staff were being trialled over the weekend, ahead of a wider roll-out, in a move that would allow those self-isolating with potential symptoms to return to duty if they get the all-clear.

But calls were growing for much more extensive testing, with practising medic and Labour MP Dr Rosena Allin-khan saying it was “absolutely urgent” that health workers had access to testing “immediately”.

Mr Gove declined to say when all health and social care staff will be tested for the virus, instead telling Sky’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday: “I hope that we will be able to test as many frontline workers at the earliest possible stage.”

Dr Allin-khan said she was “really disappointed” that a full testing regime is not currently in place.

“These are the people who are at the frontline, these are people who need to know whether or not they have the virus or not,” she told Sophy Ridge.

“So, if they feel better, if they’re feeling poorly, they can return to work and keep working.

“It is absolutely urgent that NHS and care staff are tested and they have access to testing immediately,” she said.

She also highlighted the disparity of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock being tested after displaying mild symptoms.

“I’m not sure it’s entirely fair that senior politicians are having access to testing when frontline NHS staff, who are going in to work night shifts, day shifts, double shifts at the moment, can’t get the tests that they need,” she said.

The chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing said that about 20% of frontline workers had to take time off work last week to self-isolate.

Dame Donna Kinnair said nurses need to be tested so that they are able to get on with their jobs if they are not positive for Covid-19.

Michael Gove.