Scientists at the University of Oxford who are working on a government-backed Rapid Testing Consortium have had a possible “breakthrough moment” in discovering immunity tests.
According to the Mail on Sunday, the government has reportedly bought 50m immunity tests, which shows if someone has had coronavirus.
Scientists from the consortium say up to 1m pinprick tests could be available by June, costing £10 each, and there could be up to 50m by 2021.
After a small sample of blood has been taken, the tests are said to provide results within 20 minutes. The tests have been designed by analysing blood from infected patients, who have either had no or a few symptoms.
The testing consortium’s leader, Jonathan Allis told the Mail on Sunday, “We are close to picking up 100 per cent of all cases where people have antibodies.
“Now it is just a question of scaling up the manufacturing process.”
Health Minister Lord Bethell said, “This is a great story of how our manufacturers are stepping up to the challenge of Covid, and I am hopeful that their product will make an impact in our battle against this terrible disease.”
A government source said, “This could be the game changer – a breakthrough moment to help us turn the tide on the virus.”
Health officials are concerned as evidence suggests Brits are beginning to become complacent of the social distancing and lockdown measures.
Mobile phone and traffic data reveal there are more of us on the roads and people are looking for directions.
The national medical director of NHS England, Professor Stephen Powis said on Saturday “there was a little bit of concern” as the warm weather is drawing large crowds in public spaces.
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