Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of targeting covid-19 testing on hotspots on case numbers; and if he will make a statement.
Our approach to testing is guided by the latest scientific advice. We are targeting testing capacity at the areas that need it most, including those where there is an outbreak, and prioritising at-risk groups.
On top of this, we are working in close partnership with local public health teams and councils. Every day they receive test, case and contact tracing data so that they can take action and follow up with anyone who it has not been possible to contact.