Streatham MP slams coronavirus test and trace system as “beyond repair”

Streatham MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy has slammed the Government’s coronavirus test and trace system, citing complaints from multiple constituents who were told testing was unavailable or asked to travel unreasonable distances in order to get a test.

With cases on the rise in Lambeth, concerned Streatham residents have written in to report difficulties accessing all three of the major types of testing.

Those reporting difficulties include key workers, such as teachers who have seen infections on the rise in their schools, and health workers.

This reflects a wider national situation where people are struggling to get access to tests for coronavirus – some South Londoners have been sent as far away as rural Wales to get tested.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted in Parliament that it would take “weeks” to resolve the issue.

The news also comes as hospital bosses warned that a lack of access to testing for front line NHS workers was putting services at risk.

Ms Ribeiro-Addy said: “The influx of complaints from my constituents shows that our shambolic, outsourced test and trace system has reached breaking point.

“Today, the Government said it would still take weeks to fix these issues, but we were promised a working system months ago now.

“The current system is clearly beyond repair.

“With cases rising again, we should move towards a nationally funded, locally led test, track & isolate programme.”

Mr Hancock said No 10 would update its testing policy shortly to prioritise the most urgent cases.