How the government changed the rules to hit their 100k corona target

[Smithy]

The government has changed the way it is counting the number of covid-19 tests carried out in a bid to hit its target of 100,000 tests per day by the end of April, HSJ can reveal.

Previously, a test would be counted once the sample had been processed in laboratories. But this definition has been changed in the last few days, a senior source told HSJ.

The Department of Health and Social Care is now including tests that have been posted or delivered to people’s homes in its figures. This means tests which are sent to people are counted before the recipient has provided and returned their sample to a laboratory.

HSJ understands that up to 50,000 of the tests that will be reported as having taken place on 30 April will actually represent the mailing or the agreeing to mail a home testing kit.

In the last seven days (23-30 April) the number of tests reported by the government rose from 23,560 to 81,611.

The source told HSJ that work to achieve the 100,000 tests per day had been “manic” and that the health and social care secretary Matt Hancock was “obsessed” with reaching the target. “They are trying every trick in the book,” the source said.

“They had to get the permanent secretary at DHSC (Chris Wormald) to agree to a change in the counting process.

“We’re now counting a home test as tests which have been sent to people’s homes.”

Testing for covid-19 has been predominantly carried out under two of Mr Hancock’s five “pillars”, within the government’s testing strategy.

These are tests at laboratories run by Public Health England and NHS hospitals (Pillar One) and swab tests at dozens of community sites across the UK (Pillar Two), with the latter including the posting of home testing kits and deliveries by companies such as Amazon.

HSJ understands around 27,000 home tests were posted to people yesterday as part of pillar two work. They will form part of today’s testing figures which are yet to be published.

HSJ’s source said: “The view is that is unsustainable. It was just a massive one-day mission on the part of Amazon and the Royal Mail”.

HSJ understands the number of home test kits that have been returned by Amazon this week is about one one third of the number posted.

Meanwhile, the government has recently announced two testing programmes under Pillar Four, which will eventually include hundreds of thousands of people.

One of the programmes, announced on Wednesday and led by Imperial College, Imperial College Health Healthcare Trust and polling company Ipsos Mori, will see 100,000 home testing kits sent to people across the country.

HSJ understands around 25,000 home testing kits were posted to people yesterday through this scheme. On Wednesday, only 1,150 tests under Pillar Four had been carried out.

The other Pillar Four programme, announced on 23 April, aims to track coronavirus in the general population and is led by the DHSC and Office for National Statistics, with the help of University of Oxford, data science company IQVIA UK and the National Biosample Centre in Milton Keynes.

Testing figures for yesterday will be announced later today



Shock

[Denver]

So we cant count home testing being labour supporters dont want it to be counted

[Liam-]

‘Trust us’ they say

[Denver]

Also why are the left expecting people with symptoms to leave their homes get on public transport to go to a testing centre

[Smithy]

So we cant cont hope testing being labour supporters dont want it to be counted

Do you ever proof read your posts? Half of them never make sense

Not too sure why you’re trying to clock me when yet again the government bend the rules to make themselves look better

[Denver]

Home testing is an important part of testing

[Liam-]

So we cant cont hope testing being labour supporters dont want it to be counted

If I say that I’m going to beat Mike Tyson, it can’t just be counted as a dub for me without me actually beating him can it?

Counting a verbal promise as an action taken is purposely misleading and deceitful

[Denver]

You cant expect people to go if they are ill or unable to get there or simply have work at that time

[The Slim Reaper]

If I say that I’m going to beat Mike Tyson, it can’t just be counted as a dub for me without me actually beating him can it?

Counting a verbal promise as an action taken is purposely misleading and deceitful

Only if labour supporters agree, apparently.

[Liam-]

You cant expect people to go if they are ill or unable to get there or simply have work at that time

Of course not, but the government shouldn’t count them as being tested when they haven’t been, to make themselves look good

[Liam-]

Only if labour supporters agree, apparently.

‘Don’t make this political!!’
‘God, Labour supporters wanting people to die, disgusting! Corbyn’s fault!’

[Denver]

Labour supporters will never being happy despite benefitting more from this then they would under labour

[Smithy]

Labour supporters will never being happy despite benefitting more from this then they would under labour

This is nothing to do with labour :umm2: stick the topic at hand and stop trying to cause an argument

[Liam-]

I think most people will be happy when the government stops playing with people’s lives tbh

[Denver]

They are not really playing with peoples lives over the testing though are they

[Smithy]

Home testing is an important part of testing

It is, but sending 40,000 tests in the post is not the same as those tests being carried out on the same day

[The Slim Reaper]

Labour supporters will never being happy despite benefitting more from this then they would under labour

This. Is. Insane.

[bots]

So many contributors to this thread are purely being political. That tells me that the government are doing a good job because people don't seem to give a crap about the virus anymore and are only interested in bashing the government

[smudgie]

So many contributors to this thread are purely being political. That tells me that the government are doing a good job because people don't seem to give a crap about the virus anymore and are only interested in bashing the government

Sums it up nicely.

[Liam-]

The government is doing a good job... because people are criticising their behaviour? That’s a wild take

[Smithy]

So many contributors to this thread are purely being political. That tells me that the government are doing a good job because people don't seem to give a crap about the virus anymore and are only interested in bashing the government

Think you’ll find it’s just Adam

[Samm]

The government is doing a good job... because people are criticising their behaviour? That’s a wild take

Definitely a wild take, you see people in the UK moaning and laughing at how North Korean's worship their government like some god and ridicule those who dare question them. However we've been developing the same principles here any question of their action is responded by "HOw DAre YOu QUeStion THem" "They're doing the best they can"

The government shouldn't be doing the best they can that's what you say to school children who are trying to achieve a good grade. A government's job is to do whatever is in the public interest for health and safety and do that to the highest standard.

[Denver]

Definitely a wild take, you see people in the UK moaning and laughing at how North Korean's worship their government like some god and ridicule those who dare question them. However we've been developing the same principles here any question of their action is responded by "HOw DAre YOu QUeStion THem" "They're doing the best they can"

The government shouldn't be doing the best they can that's what you say to school children who are trying to achieve a good grade. A government's job is to do whatever is in the public interest for health and safety and do that to the highest standard.

North Koreans dont worship their government at all

If they disagreed with anything they would have a bullet in the head for the trouble

[Marsh.]

Labour supporters will never being happy despite benefitting more from this then they would under labour

:joker:

Can always count on Adam for a laugh.

[Marsh.]

So many contributors to this thread are purely being political. That tells me that the government are doing a good job because people don't seem to give a crap about the virus anymore and are only interested in bashing the government

Only one (Adam) has brought politics into the thread.

[Kazanne]

So many contributors to this thread are purely being political. That tells me that the government are doing a good job because people don't seem to give a crap about the virus anymore and are only interested in bashing the government

:wavey: Yes it seems that way.

[Liam-]

Y’know, I think Putin is actually doing a pretty good job, I mean, everyone slags him off so he must be right? Good ol Putin, killing those gays and ruining democracy, people are way too mean :(

[Liam-]

The only people being political are the ones saying anyone who criticises the government are clearly biased, sour faced lefties

[Denver]

:joker:

Can always count on Adam for a laugh.

Maybe learn that the government is part of politics

[Marsh.]

So many contributors to this thread are purely being political. That tells me that the government are doing a good job because people don't seem to give a crap about the virus anymore and are only interested in bashing the government

Except, that's you making it political by believing the government is beyond reproach and people have ulterior motives for having genuine concerns.

I'd understand this viewpoint if the criticisms were silly, but they're not.

[Marsh.]

Maybe learn that the government is part of politics

Which has what to do with the post you quoted?

[Denver]

I mean its obvious all Smithy wants is to talk trash on the government it's all hos threads and posts have been about

[Cherie]

People were clamouring for more home tests, they couldn’t get out, they couldn’t drive, so presumably all those tests snapped up will be sent back ASAP as they all have symptoms ...the people who turned up at test centres yesterday won’t have their results either so what’s the difference .., and if they don’t return them and are saving them for a later date, shame on them for taking a test from someone who could really do with it

[MTVN]

The 120k tests figure does include 40k where they haven't got the result back yet but the test has still been despatched and what's really important is having the capacity to do that many tests. The 100k target was always fairly arbitrary really, it was just that the government needed to massively ramp up its testing and they have done that increasing it by ten times what it was only 3 or 4 weeks ago

[Marsh.]

I mean its obvious all Smithy wants is to talk trash on the government it's all hos threads and posts have been about

His threads... with valid discussion points.

[DouglasS]

So many contributors to this thread are purely being political. That tells me that the government are doing a good job because people don't seem to give a crap about the virus anymore and are only interested in bashing the government

:clap1:

[Marsh.]

People were clamouring for more home tests, they couldn’t get out, they couldn’t drive, so presumably all those tests snapped up will be sent back ASAP as they all have symptoms ...the people who turned up at test centres yesterday won’t have their results either so what’s the difference .., and if they don’t return them and are saving them for a later date, shame on them for taking a test from someone who could really do with it

I think they should count home tests that have arrived back. So, they don't necessarily have the results yet but have received the samples for those tests to say they have been "done". Counting tests that have been posted is far too unreliable IMO.

[Denver]

His threads... with valid discussion points.

I wouldnt call making claims we have the worst death rate because we are adding on the care home deaths while then saying the deaths in care homes in other countries are not an important stat

[Denver]

Also the fact this people are getting so angry yet we are testing more people then other countries

[Liam-]

Also the fact this people are getting so angry yet we are testing more people then other countries

We’re 54th overall in testing levels

[Samm]

Germany and South Korea have been testing 100K and more over a long time period, one big test doesn't make us ahead of the game.

[Cherie]

I think they should count home tests that have arrived back. So, they don't necessarily have the results yet but have received the samples for those tests to say they have been "done". Counting tests that have been posted is far too unreliable IMO.

why? people have gone on the app and ordered the test, why would they not send them back, it makes no sense if you have symptoms not to do so

[Cherie]

Germany and South Korea have been testing 100K and more over a long time period, one big test doesn't make us ahead of the game.

who said the UK were ahead of the game? its a step forward to relaxing lockdown

[Crimson Dynamo]

Boo I hate the Tories etc

Thread

[Marsh.]

why? people have gone on the app and ordered the test, why would they not send them back, it makes no sense if you have symptoms not to do so

Many reasons. Tests can be misplaced in the post, can be delayed for many reasons. There are so many it stands to reason not all of them will be returned.

Returned tests are confirmed, completed tests. Just a more accurate number IMO.

[Liam-]

Counting tests that have been ordered or sent out to people as tests that have been done is completely disingenuous and paints a huge picture of how manipulative this government is when it comes to their handing of this situation and the people they’re supposed to work for

[Marsh.]

Boo I hate the Tories etc

Thread

He says, opting not to actually discuss the topic.

Yet, it's everyone else who has the issue. :joker:

[Brother Leon]

They could have at least waited for the tests to arrive at the homes and be done before counting it. :laugh:


Sheer desperation to present any type of “win” to their sheep.

[Cherie]

Many reasons. Tests can be misplaced in the post, can be delayed for many reasons. There are so many it stands to reason not all of them will be returned.

Returned tests are confirmed, completed tests. Just a more accurate number IMO.

They are being couriered by Royal Mail, Yodel and Amazon

[Denver]

We’re 54th overall in testing levels

In the overall yes but that will now rapidly rise

[Denver]

who said the UK were ahead of the game? its a step forward to relaxing lockdown

They are when it comes to finding the vaccine though

[Marsh.]

They are being couriered by Royal Mail, Yodel and Amazon

So?

[Smithy]

We’re 54th overall in testing levels

:skull:

And top 5 death totals?

Yikes

[The Slim Reaper]

1256184006741241857

Woohoo, watch us go...

[Cherie]

So?

so they wont be going astray, they are not being popped in the post box

[Denver]

Who would ever thought people would get joy out of ddeatsh to poke the government

[Samm]

who said the UK were ahead of the game? its a step forward to relaxing lockdown

Also the fact this people are getting so angry yet we are testing more people then other countries

.

[Smithy]

Who would ever thought people would get joy out of ddeatsh to poke the government

Nobody is getting joy out of it, why do you think it’s acceptable to let their terrible handling of the crisis slide?

That’s the point.

It’s not a bash the tories thread @LT it’s look at the state we’re in and hold the people to account

[Denver]

.

Are Germany not doing 50k a day and I'm sure South Korea is less both of which are about to recieve second peaks most likely

[Denver]

Nobody is getting joy out of it, why do you think it’s acceptable to let their terrible handling of the crisis slide?

That’s the point.

It’s not a bash the tories thread @LT it’s look at the state we’re in and hold the people to account

How do you expect us to stop deaths in a country that is full of the most vulnerable groups of people

[Smithy]

Are Germany not doing 50k a day and I'm sure South Korea is less both of which are about to recieve second peaks most likely

Based on what? You saying so?

The data disagrees, if you don’t have facts and figures to back up what you’re saying, you should stop, it’s embarrassing

[The Slim Reaper]

Who would ever thought people would get joy out of ddeatsh to poke the government

You're going to be pissed when I tell you what austerity is.

[Marsh.]

so they wont be going astray, they are not being popped in the post box

I never said they were being "popped in a post box". Doesn't change my original point.

"Completed" tests should be the only ones added to a "completed" tests figure.

[Denver]

Based on what? You saying so?

The data disagrees, if you don’t have facts and figures to back up what you’re saying, you should stop, it’s embarrassing

The German government themselves confirmed the R has rapidly rise back up and they will have to consider a new lockdown

[Cherie]

1256184006741241857

Woohoo, watch us go...

that's not a way to judge it is it :skull:

take Ireland and Scotland. similar population sizes, similar size cities, similar rural geography

Ireland 4 million/Scotland 5 million

deaths 1200/1400

There are double the deaths in London than anywhere else

[Marsh.]

Who would ever thought people would get joy out of ddeatsh to poke the government

What on earth are you on about?

When in doubt, just make sh*t up I guess?

[Denver]

that's not a way to judge it is it :skull:

take Ireland and Scotland. similar population sizes,

Ireland 4 million/Scotland 5 million

deaths 1200/1400

There are double the deaths in London than anywhere else

People don't understand simply math and common sense they just believe anything to peddle their hate

[The Slim Reaper]

that's not a way to judge it is it :skull:

take Ireland and Scotland. similar population sizes,

Ireland 4 million/Scotland 5 million

deaths 1200/1400

There are double the deaths in London than anywhere else

I'd say it was pretty illuminating bearing in mind we had weeks and months to watch how other countries had handled the crisis, and what they'd learned about the best practices to deal with it.

[Marsh.]

People don't understand simply math and common sense they just believe anything to peddle their hate

Yet, the only hate in here has come from you and a couple of others using the thread purely to peddle your "stupid lefties" agenda rather than address the discussion maturely.

[Denver]

I'd say it was pretty illuminating bearing in mind we had weeks and months to watch how other countries had handled the crisis, and what they'd learned about the best practices to deal with it.

A lockdown was advised against and there was still no evidence that a lockdown would stop it at that point in time

[Marsh.]

A lockdown was advised against and there is still no evidence a lockdown would stop it

Lockdown isn't about "stopping it".

[The Slim Reaper]

A lockdown was advised against and there is still no evidence a lockdown would stop it

What?

[Denver]

Lockdown isn't about "stopping it".

The lockdown was to stop the spread of the virus, are you really dumb enough to not know that

[The Slim Reaper]

Marsh's intelligence is really taking a forum beating this evening :joker:

[Marsh.]

The lockdown was to stop the spread of the virus, are you really dumb enough to not know that

Another personal insult, on fire today Adam.

Lockdown is about slowing the spread to allow the hospitals to cope with it and save as many lives as possible.

If you think lockdown was about "stopping" the virus dead in its tracks, then it's not me being dumb.

[Samm]

The German government themselves confirmed the R has rapidly rise back up and they will have to consider a new lockdown

It's not, that news was reported from a UK media source (The Daily Mail), active cases are going down in Germany.

[Beso]

Simple fact is, people didn't take up the opportunity.

[Marsh.]

Marsh's intelligence is really taking a forum beating this evening :joker:

:(

[Denver]

Another personal insult, on fire today Adam.

Lockdown is about slowing the spread to allow the hospitals to cope with it and save as many lives as possible.

If you think lockdown was about "stopping" the virus dead in its tracks, then it's not me being dumb.

Not one person mentioned stopping the virus dead because the fact is this is going to be a seasonal virus

[Marsh.]

Not one person mentioned stopping the virus dead because the fact is this is going to be a seasonal virus

You did.

[Liam-]

Didn’t realise using your democratic right to question and criticise the government was ‘peddling hate’ these days, Boris got us all screwed up

[Cherie]

I never said they were being "popped in a post box". Doesn't change my original point.

"Completed" tests should be the only ones added to a "completed" tests figure.

they should have waited a few days then before releasing the figures then , because you cant send out a home test and have it back the same day :shrug:

I hope we get data on how many of these home tests get returned because I reckon many are ordering them just in case

[Denver]

Where did I

[Marsh.]

they should have waited a few days then before releasing the figures then , because you cant send out a home test and have it back the same day :shrug:

Exactly.


I hope we get data on how many of these home tests get returned because I reckon many are ordering them just in case

Exactly my point. Tests sent out are not an accurate indicator of how many have been done so far.

[Marsh.]

Didn’t realise using your democratic right to question and criticise the government was ‘peddling hate’ these days, Boris got us all screwed up

Yet the only hate being peddled in the thread is the desperate need to make this about "labour supporters". When you can't find a counter argument, I guess.

Labour supporters will never being happy despite benefitting more from this then they would under labour

I mean its obvious all Smithy wants is to talk trash on the government it's all hos threads and posts have been about

Boo I hate the Tories etc

Thread

Who would ever thought people would get joy out of ddeatsh to poke the government

People don't understand simply math and common sense they just believe anything to peddle their hate

[Kazanne]

It's not, that news was reported from a UK media source (The Daily Mail), active cases are going down in Germany.

not what it says here
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11505630/germany-bring-back-coronavirus-lockdowns-cases-surge/

You cannot trust tabloid fodder why do people believe them.

[Marsh.]

not what it says here
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11505630/germany-bring-back-coronavirus-lockdowns-cases-surge/

You cannot trust tabloid fodder why do people believe them.

The Sun?

[Smithy]

not what it says here
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11505630/germany-bring-back-coronavirus-lockdowns-cases-surge/

You cannot trust tabloid fodder why do people believe them.

Ah yes disprove a tabloid with... a tabloid

[Samm]

not what it says here
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11505630/germany-bring-back-coronavirus-lockdowns-cases-surge/

You cannot trust tabloid fodder why do people believe them.

Not the Sun? Probably even worse

https://i.imgur.com/1VxKv1v.gif

[Kazanne]

The Sun?

Yes tabloid fodder I was pointing out the way they ALL spin things to suit, The Mail,The Sun ALL trash.

[Beso]

I doubt you can believe any paper atm..all it can be is gossip over the phone and not face to face interviews.

[Kazanne]

Ah yes disprove a tabloid with... a tabloid

You didn't get it at all did you ?I was not disproving anything , I was not saying the Sun was any better,they are ALL trash and to be taken with a pinch of salt.

[The Slim Reaper]

Well they've got nowhere near that figure since they cooked the numbers on the last day of their self imposed deadline, so I think it's fairly to safe to say that it was yet another completely unnecessary lie that folks will defend them for.

[Oliver_W]

I thought they'd reach their target by having Priti Patel read out the results.

[Cherie]

It is interesting the target hasn't been met since 30th April, they say they have 108,000 are there just not enough looking for a test or are the tests not available, hard to say.

[Smithy]

It is interesting the target hasn't been met since 30th April, they say they have 108,000 are there just not enough looking for a test or are the tests not available, hard to say.

It’s not exactly clear how to get a home test, I thought I was showing symptoms so google “home testing corona kit” and all that came up was articles about it

You’d have thought the first result would be whichever gov site you get them from :conf2:

[Cherie]

It’s not exactly clear how to get a home test, I thought I was showing symptoms so google “home testing corona kit” and all that came up was articles about it

You’d have thought the first result would be whichever gov site you get them from :conf2:

Go on here, and apply for one

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

they have home tests showing as available if you need one

How do you want to take the coronavirus test?

By requesting a home test kit AVAILABLE
You can ask for a kit for yourself and anyone else you live with who has coronavirus symptoms. There is an identity check for home test kits.

By visiting a regional test site in England AVAILABLE
You or someone you live with must have a car to get to a local test site

By visiting a regional test site in Wales NONE AVAILABLE
You or someone you live with must have a car to get to a local test site

By visiting a regional test site in Scotland AVAILABLE
You or someone you live with must have a car to get to a local test site

By visiting a regional test site in Northern Ireland AVAILABLE
You or someone you live with must have a car to get to a local test site

[The Slim Reaper]

It is interesting the target hasn't been met since 30th April, they say they have 108,000 are there just not enough looking for a test or are the tests not available, hard to say.

It's also interesting that the government said they did 122k tests but a few days later we still don't even have the capacity beyond 108k.

[Cherie]

It's also interesting that the government said they did 122k tests but a few days later we still don't even have the capacity beyond 108k.

Is capacity at sites, I just don't know any more :laugh:

[bots]

they have the capacity for 100k tests a day. That doesnt mean 100k will occur, i dont know why thats so hard to understand :laugh:

[smudgie]

they have the capacity for 100k tests a day. That doesnt mean 100k will occur, i dont know why thats so hard to understand :laugh:

Especially now the amount of new cases appear to be dropping.

[The Slim Reaper]

they have the capacity for 100k tests a day. That doesnt mean 100k will occur, i dont know why thats so hard to understand :laugh:

No curiosity about why they made the big deal of 122k tests on the last day of their target, but haven't got close since, and don't even have the capacity to test the amount they said they did?

[Smithy]

they have the capacity for 100k tests a day. That doesnt mean 100k will occur, i dont know why thats so hard to understand :laugh:

He said they were aiming to carry out 100k tests a day, not have the capacity to do so

[Samm]

Boris has stated that the next aim is 200,000 tests by the end of May, which is great, however they’re still failing to reach the 100,000 target daily :/

[Kizzy]

No curiosity about why they made the big deal of 122k tests on the last day of their target, but haven't got close since, and don't even have the capacity to test the amount they said they did?

No! They said they'd hit the 'target' and they did, it's important to have a 'target' because 'targets' look good on paper.
The govt haven't failed on anything...look at the 'target'!

As if you don't find the 'target' important or relative here..

[Kizzy]

Boris has stated that the next aim is 200,000 tests by the end of May, which is great, however they’re still failing to reach the 100,000 target daily :/

It's easy retest 20,000 people 10 times...sorted

[Cherie]

It's easy retest 20,000 people 10 times...sorted

And you don’t think someone in a lab would clock this with there being a database of results with names? and wouldn’t go to the press? Or are they making up names and details of where to send the results as well

[Cherie]

Go on here, and apply for one

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

they have home tests showing as available if you need one

How do you want to take the coronavirus test?

By requesting a home test kit AVAILABLE
You can ask for a kit for yourself and anyone else you live with who has coronavirus symptoms. There is an identity check for home test kits.

By visiting a regional test site in England AVAILABLE
You or someone you live with must have a car to get to a local test site

By visiting a regional test site in Wales NONE AVAILABLE
You or someone you live with must have a car to get to a local test site

By visiting a regional test site in Scotland AVAILABLE
You or someone you live with must have a car to get to a local test site

By visiting a regional test site in Northern Ireland AVAILABLE
You or someone you live with must have a car to get to a local test site

Did you get one? home tests are unavailable now

[bots]

testing for the virus is completely unimportant at this stage in the cycle. People with severe symptoms are admitted to hospital and treated. Those who tested negative yesterday, could test positive today.

Testing comes into its own when the number of infections is at a manageable level, so capacity at that point is unimportant.

If we get to a point in the future where a specific treatment is available for covid patients then testing becomes important again, but at the moment its a complete red herring

[Beso]

What do you expect when people aren't taking up the offer of being tested.

[Cherie]

Has Smithy succumbed before testing or is he just a rude little bitch :oh:

[Marsh.]

Has Smithy succumbed before testing or is he just a rude little bitch :oh:

He's always been a rude little madam.

[Smithy]

Has Smithy succumbed before testing or is he just a rude little bitch :oh:

I’ve not got it, it was Last week and whatever I had cleared up, but thanks, good to know for he future :hee:

[Kizzy]

And you don’t think someone in a lab would clock this with there being a database of results with names? and wouldn’t go to the press? Or are they making up names and details of where to send the results as well

It was reported on the governments website that a percentage of the tests recorded were retests, it's not a secret.