Government announce further changes to the way coronavirus testing figures are published after failing to disclose number people tested for over six weeks

The way Covid-19 testing figures are published will be changed to reflect that people are being tested on a regular basis, Downing Street said.

The Department of Health and Social care have failed to publish the daily number of people tested since May 21, when 80,297 individuals were tested. Since then, the figures have been listed as ‘unavailable’.

However, the number of tests carried out data has continued to be published on a daily basis. The latest figures show 125,622 daily tests were processed and 164,849 had been made available across the UK in the 24 hours leading up to 9am on Sunday, July 5.

And after 46 days without publishing the number of people tested, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman has finally confirmed that the figures will no longer be available through the Department of Health and Social Care.

"This is because the daily people tested statistic only counts new people being tested,” the spokesman said.

"For example, someone who is tested in February and then tested again this month will only be counted once.

"Considering hospital and care home staff are now being tested on a regular basis, we don't think this statistic would be an accurate reflection of the amount of daily testing that is taking place.

"Test and trace statistics published weekly will still include the number of people who have been tested."

The spokesman said that the UK’s testing capacity on July 5 stood at 294,258.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.

Thank you