This government is a complete shambles

[jon1959]

Dumnno. I wasn't talking about the programmev and don't know if this was raised. I'm just commenting on what I see. Nothing political, just if people aren't going for the tsts available now whats the point of opening more places?

I haven't seen the programme (yet) but when it comes to numbers getting tested hasn't the main issue always been about getting lots of people to the test stations and having a system that massively increases the number of daily tests so that 'test track and test' can work at high volume, routinely and easily?

The government started this by hiding behind 'capacity' (even that was spun) but for many people they couldn't get to the test stations because of location/distance. If we now have enough testing capacity in the right places (over the whole UK) and they are still under-used then there is a real problem of communication and planning. That clearly involves employers, local authorities and other agencies and individuals - but ultimately it comes back to the government.

[xsnaggle]

I haven't seen the programme (yet) but when it comes to numbers getting tested hasn't the main issue always been about getting lots of people to the test stations and having a system that massively increases the number of daily tests so that 'test track and test' can work at high volume, routinely and easily?

The government started this by hiding behind 'capacity' (even that was spun) but for many people they couldn't get to the test stations because of location/distance. If we now have enough testing capacity in the right places (over the whole UK) and they are still under-used then there is a real problem of communication and planning. That clearly involves employers, local authorities and other agencies and individuals - but ultimately it comes back to the government.

But if people aren't using the capacity that's already there you can't 'make' them use it, so whats the point of enlarging the facility? As an example say, CCFC testing station. 5 lanes, say 10 minutes per test, 30/hour, open 12 hours a day, 360 tests a day. They aren't doing anywhere near that. Anyone ever driven past it and seen it busy? I doubt it, and they are all the same.
It doesn't matter what colour the government is, welsh red or brit blue, if people aren't booking tests after all the fuss on national radio and TV about people not being able to get them, how do you force them? The answer is, you can't!!!

[jon1959]

But if people aren't using the capacity that's already there you can't 'make' them use it, so whats the point of enlarging the facility? As an example say, CCFC testing station. 5 lanes, say 10 minutes per test, 30/hour, open 12 hours a day, 360 tests a day. They aren't doing anywhere near that. Anyone ever driven past it and seen it busy? I doubt it, and they are all the same.
It doesn't matter what colour the government is, welsh red or brit blue, if people aren't booking tests after all the fuss on national radio and TV about people not being able to get them, how do you force them? The answer is, you can't!!!

I'm not suggesting the government sends out snatch squads to forcibly take people to testing stations, but other countries have succeeded in getting much much higher levels of regular testing carried out. The government isn't helpless in that situation - and it isn't down to some British and Irish cultural barriers either. The government managed to get very high levels of lock-down compliance from late March (too late, but still) through clear messaging and co-ordinated action by national and local authorities, employers and local voluntary organisations. It has failed to focus as well on testing. If other countries can do it - so can the UK (it is not just about England - although the devolved administrations have done a better job across the board)

[CCFCC3PO]

But if people aren't using the capacity that's already there you can't 'make' them use it, so whats the point of enlarging the facility? As an example say, CCFC testing station. 5 lanes, say 10 minutes per test, 30/hour, open 12 hours a day, 360 tests a day. They aren't doing anywhere near that. Anyone ever driven past it and seen it busy? I doubt it, and they are all the same.
It doesn't matter what colour the government is, welsh red or brit blue, if people aren't booking tests after all the fuss on national radio and TV about people not being able to get them, how do you force them? The answer is, you can't!!!

We went to the one in Newport, and it was very busy. It has become less busy as fewer people report symptoms, and as more people opt for home tests, or get tested in the workplace.