Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 21 March 2022 to Question 140419 on contact tracing: software, what the sample size has been for the Office for National Statistics’ COVID-19 Infection Survey since it began; what the sample size will be for the continuing operation of that survey; and if he will make a statement.

Since October 2020 approximately 150,000 people in England, 15,000 in Scotland, 9,000 in Wales and 5,000 in Northern Ireland have been tested every fortnight as part of the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) COVID-19 Infection Survey.

Blood samples are also taken to record data on those who have recovered from COVID-19 to assess the impact of vaccinations. Up to 125,500 people in England, 12,500 in Scotland, 7,500 in Wales and 4,500 in Northern Ireland have been providing blood samples every month. Further information on future sample sizes will be published in due course.