Echo readers back calls for frontline NHS staff to be tested for coronavirus

The petition has gathered more than 25,000 signatures calling for health workers to be tested, so they can continue working instead of going into isolation if they have coronavirus symptoms.

The doctor behind the petition said staff wanted to work with “a clear conscience”.

So we asked in our daily Facebook poll: “Do you think frontline NHS workers should be tested as a priority?”

At the time of writing over 1,500 people had voted, with 96% saying yes, and 4% no.

This is what you had to say on the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:

John Wild said: “Need to get the time it takes to get the results back. If they can get it down to hours, they can be tested at the end of their shift then told if it’s safe for them to go to work the next day.”

David Duggan said: “I think all people who are suspected should be tested. Trying to scare us with huge numbers of corona cases when in actual fact only a few may really have it. Whoppers man.”

Rachaelle Orrell said: “They would need to be tested every day, and considering the amount of time it takes to get a result back they may have already passed it on.”

Elaine Johnson said: “I remember this happening with MRSA all ward staff were tested weekly.”