Coronavirus UK: Why are some councils launching their own contact-tracing systems? - BBC Newsnight

The Lancet has warned that the NHS test and trace system is insufficient to prevent a second spike of infections in the winter after schools return. With infection rates increasing in the UK and across Europe, can it be fixed in time? Subscribe to our channel here

Some local authorities are now launching their own contact-tracing schemes after lack of confidence in Public Health England’s national programme.

Blackburn with Darwen council, in Lancashire, set up its own virus-tracing team after the national system failed to reach hundreds of its most vulnerable residents.

There is concern from local public health officials with the national test-and-trace system, which was launched in May as central to the government’s strategy for easing lockdown in England.

Experts say that over 80% of close contacts of infected people need to be reached for controls to be effective - but many say PHE’s system falls short of this.

Can the government make the necessary changes in time for winter?

Health Correspondent Deb Cohen reports.

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