Leeds could be next mass testing city as council monitors Liverpool pilot

Leeds Council is hoping that waiting to see how effective national pilots are will answer some of its concerns before making a decision on whether Leeds will volunteer to take part in the pilot.

The pilot in Liverpool will start this week where everyone working or living in the city will be offered tests, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms, in an attempt to identify as many infected people as possible.

Leeds Council’s concerns include the implications of false positive and false negative results, the impact on workforce capacity, how tests will be administrated and link with Test and Trace and the capacity to effectively contact trace positive tests.

In the meantime Leeds Council is encouraging residents to get a test if they develop symptoms.

A spokesperson for Leeds Council said: “We are committed to fighting coronavirus in our city and are actively encouraging residents to get a test if they develop symptoms.

“No decision has been made on whether Leeds will volunteer to be the next mass testing city.

“We are currently waiting to see how effective the national pilots are, in the hope that they will answer some of our concerns around the implications of false positives and false negative results; the impact on workforce capacity; how tests will be administrated and link with Test and Trace and; capacity to effectively contact trace positive tests.

“Then we can ensure the best decision is made for people in Leeds.”

Leeds entered the second national lockdown today (Thursday) which is set to end on December 2.

This replaces the Tier 3 restrictions which Leeds were going to enter on Monday, but the ‘Very High’ level restrictions were not put in place due to the introduction of the national lockdown.

The lockdown rules mean people must stay home as much as possible and cannot mix households.

Residents can leave home for essential reasons such as food shopping, accessing health or critical public services, to work, for education or providing care for a vulnerable person.

Leeds City Council parks remain open and people can take unlimited exercise – with members of their own household, on their own or with one other person from outside their household.

Businesses and venues such as pubs, restaurants, gyms, and salons have also been told to close.

Schools, colleges and universities however are remaining open.

The Government said that the national lockdown is necessary to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Once again the people of Leeds, along with the rest of England, are being asked to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

"I know how difficult this will be for local people and businesses who have continued to face unparalleled challenges this year, but the safety of our residents must take priority until we can gain control of this relentless virus.

"It has been amazing to see the city pull together this year and I know we can do it again.

“The darker nights will no doubt make this lockdown tougher for many people and it is important we all take care of ourselves and look out for friends, family members, colleagues and neighbours who may be struggling.

"The council is here to offer help to any person or business who needs it and there is a range of support and resources available online.”