Non-clinical virus rate just as high

Infection rates among NHS workers tested for Covid-19 were no higher for those treating patients face-toface than for staff in nonclinical roles, according to a new study.

The research, published in the Lancet medical journal, could offer some reassurance to those on the frontline of the fight against the outbreak.

Medics from the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and researchers from Newcastle University teamed up for the study of 1,654 NHS workers who experienced Covid-19 symptoms over 21 days last month.

The research team could identify the roles of more than 1,000 of them, splitting them into three groups.

These groups were patientfacing, such as nurses, doctors, porters, non-patientfacing, but potentially higher risk, such as domestic or laboratory staff, and non-clinical staff, such as administrative workers or those in IT roles.

The researchers found rates of infection of 15 per cent among directly patientfacing staff and 16 per cent among those non-patient facing, but in roles with a potentially higher risk. The rate was 18 per cent among non-clinical staff.

Dr Lucia Pareja-cebrian, director of infection prevention and control within Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and an author of the report, said: “Testing symptomatic staff has allowed us to identify cases early and we’re able to provide support immediately to those who have become infected with coronavirus, advising that they self-isolate from others until their symptoms disappear.

“This means that their families and contacts remain safe.”

The researchers said their study showed efficient testing of staff was possible during a pandemic, with workers getting their results within 48 hours of initial contact. action to be taken or dental practices across the country will not recover from the Covid-19 crisis.

Mick Armstrong, BDA chairman has warned of people taking ‘matters into their own hands’ and resorting to “DIY dentistry” unless the government takes rapid action.

Fleur Anderson, Labour MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields, has led efforts in parliament and penned the letter signed by the 101 MPS to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

It read: “Dentists across the country are deeply concerned they will not resurface once this crisis has abated.

“New evidence suggests that over three-quarters of dentists will receive no support from Government support schemes.

“In particular, many selfemployed dentists earned just above the £50,000 threshold for support through the Selfemployed Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

“Dental practices are also not eligible for business rates relief and many do not qualify for a small business grant.

“This has left Dentists with no option but to apply for a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan (CBIL).

“However, over 9 per cent of applicants were unable to secure credit.

“While some will get support from the NHS (which in many cases will not come close to covering their losses) those in private practices will not be able to access financial help.”

BDA Chairman Mick Armstrong said dentists across the country are grateful for the clear message coming from MPS of all parties. He said: “The Chancellor’s deal has left the UK’S dental services dangerously exposed.

“Dedicated health professionals