THE Government has announced its most drastic actions yet in order to tackle the coronavirus.
104 people have so far died in the UK after being infected with Covid-19, and more than 2,626 have been diagnosed with the new bug. So what’s the latest advice on testing for the virus?
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How to get tested for coronavirus in the UK
On March 12, there has been a major shift in the way potential Covid-19 sufferers are treated.
Following an emergency Cobra meeting, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that testing of mild cases will end.
Before then, people were referred to test centres after phoning NHS 111.
Those suspected of carrying the disease were advised to drive to a special testing site, or a hospital car park, where a nurse wearing protective gear would conduct the test in assessment pods.
The NHS was also testing people at home for the virus to help contain the spread.
But the government has changed its stance, and widespread testing will no longer be applicable.
Hospital-testing only
The chief medical officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty had confirmed that the NHS will alter its approach to testing for coronavirus, with only those at hospitals to be formally examined.
Testing in hospitals will be carried out on patients suffering from respiratory problems – and this will probably be extended to other conditions.
On March 12, Prof Whitty originally said it was “no longer necessary for us to identify every case”.
He has since defended the UK’s new plans after the World Health Organization’s advice is to keep testing.
On March 16, Prof Whitty did say: “We do intend to continue to scale up testing.”
He said tests only show if people are currently sick or not, but not where or not someone had previously had the virus.
Prof Whitty said that test would be “transformational” and that Public Health England was “very rapidly” developing such a test.
Potential coronavirus sufferers experiencing mild symptoms are also being advised to us the NHS 111 online service.
People have been advised against phoning the NHS 111 helpline unless their health begins to deteriorate, as the service is struggling to cope with demand.
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Why is coronavirus testing decreasing?
The Times says that “public health is giving up on tracing every case”.
And those suffering “mild symptoms“, such as a high temperature of 37.8C and above, or a new continuous cough, are being told to self-isolate for seven days rather than ask to be tested.
That’s regardless of whether they have travelled to infected areas, such as Italy, Iran or China.
An NHS spokesman told the Sun Online that people can still check their symptoms online, and “if they’re otherwise fine, they don’t need to go to hospital or be tested”.
He said it’s not known as yet what will happen to the special testing sites, “but people don’t just go to them anyway, they would have to be referred first”.
Health crisis
On March 16 it was announced by researchers at Imperial College London that drastic restrictions will be required for up to 18 months in order to save thousands of live.
The new move came after the Goverment’s previous and more relaxed plans to try and “mitigate” the epidemic – but researchers then advised an estimated 260,000 people could have died.
Since then, the PM has ramped up his battle plan.
He said:
- All Brits should stay away from pubs, clubs, theatres and cinemas for weeks – and potentially months
- Those who can work from home should
- Over 70s, those who are pregnant and anyone with underlying health conditions should try and not leave home
- People are advised to not visit vulnerable and elderly family and friends – for around 12 weeks
- If one family member shows symptoms then the entire family should stay home for two weeks
- The Government is no longer supporting mass public gatherings
- Schools will remain open for now – but kids with a cough should be sent home
Levelling with a worried nation in a dramatic No10 press conference, Boris said: “Clearly what we’re announcing today is a very substantial change in the way we want people to live their lives, and I can’t remember anything like it in my lifetime.
“I don’t think there’s really been anything like it in peacetime.
“It’s a very considerable, psychological, behavioural change that we’re asking you, we’re asking the public, the nation to do.
“But I’ve absolutely no doubt that we can do it, that we can do it together.”
What is the coronavirus test?
Testing for coronavirus looks for signs of infection in blood, other bodily fluids or secretions.
There are a number of ways the virus can be tested.
- Blood – this involves the collection of a blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm.
- Nasal – this is when a saline is inserted into the nose and removed with gentle suction.
- Sputum – this involves the patient coughing up mucus from the lungs into a cup or a swab used to take mucus from the nose.
- Tracheal aspirate – this requires a thin lighted tube inserted into the mouth and down the lungs, where a sample will be collected.
Testing for the virus comes with some minor side effects, including tingling and slight discomfort. These however, are temporary.
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