Coronavirus tests supplies running out in parts of the North East

A North East MP has told the Goverment that the region’s Covid-19 testing capacity has ‘completely evaporated’ in some areas.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Labour’s Ian Mearns said an increase of tests is needed in his Gateshead constituency, claiming the area only has enough for two hours of testing.

Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, has pledged to raise the concerns with Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking at business questions, Mr Mearns said: “My director of public health in Gateshead is very concerned that despite the fact that the number of cases in Gateshead has gone up from 18 to 33 to 38 of Covid-19 in the last fortnight, our testing capacity has just gone. It has just dried up, completely evaporated.

A North-East MP has warned of a Covid-19 testing crisis in his constituency. PA picture.A North-East MP has warned of a Covid-19 testing crisis in his constituency. PA picture.
A North-East MP has warned of a Covid-19 testing crisis in his constituency. PA picture.

“At the latest count we only have enough tests to start in the morning at eight o’clock and completely run out by 10.

“That has significant problems for equalities issues in terms of the people who can get tested and where they can be tested and when they can be tested.

“Our director of public health would like the Government to do something about this and increase testing capacity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It isn’t just important in those areas which are hot spots, it’s important everywhere – particularly where local communities are seeing an increase in the number of cases.”

Replying for the Government, Mr Rees-Mogg said: “I will take this up with the Secretary of State for Health on behalf of (Mr Mearns) as I am not personally an expert in that particular field.”

Read More
Read more: Nightingale Hospital remains as 'last resort' in event of second wave

A message from the editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.