[ad_1]
On Wednesday, the government published an evaluation of a new type of test, called “lateral flow tests”, which began to be offered to everyone in Liverpool last week.
The study conducted by the University of Oxford and Public Health England found that the type in use in the city was able to detect 77 percent of people infected with Covid-19. And they were able to detect 95 percent of cases with high viral loads, which make people more infectious.
However, the rate dropped dramatically when people were asked to do the tests at home.
On Wednesday, scientists warned that the public will have to be taught how to use the tests, which requires patience to shake the swab in the box at least 10 times.
The scientists said the tests could play an “important role” in restoring normalcy, as their widespread use would reduce transmission of the virus by as much as 90 percent.
Government scientists say the findings pave the way for daily “freedom passes,” and those who test negative in the morning can attend soccer games, theaters and pubs.
One expert said they would be “safe” to spend time in a crowd if everyone had taken the checks and been cleared.
Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford, said: “These inexpensive, easy-to-use tests can play an important role in our fight against Covid-19.
“They identify those who are likely to spread the disease and, when used consistently in mass testing, could reduce transmissions by 90 percent.”
“They will detect the disease in large numbers of people who have never been tested before.”
However, health officials are concerned about the poor acceptance of the massive tests.
On Wednesday, the mayor of Liverpool urged more people to come forward. Joe Anderson revealed that since the scheme was launched nearly two weeks ago, a total of 44,233 people have been tested, of which 220 have tested positive.
[ad_2]
