Robbie Moore has welcomed news from the Health Secretary that Bradford will be among the first areas to benefit from community testing. 18 initiatives across 67 local authorities are taking part in community testing plans.
The aim of community testing is to decrease the number of transmissions by identifying asymptomatic carriers of the virus so they can isolate. The testing is being delivered by local authorities who have the in-depth local knowledge of circumstances that ensures the most efficient delivery of tests.
It also forms part of the government's Winter Plan. The Plan also includes the vaccination which is now being rolled out across the UK, tiering restrictions, and investment in further NHS capacity.
Robbie said:
"It is great news that Keighley and Ilkley residents will be among the first to benefit from the major community testing initiative. The government's Covid Winter Plan will hopefully help drive down the prevalence of the virus in our area so we can get out of the Tier 3 level restrictions."
In a letter to Robbie, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:
'I am delighted to confirm that the plan for Bradford has been approved to begin enhanced testing support, from as early as December. The Bradford plan is one of an initial set of 18 plans, covering 67 local authorities we announced yesterday.
'The Community Testing Programme is part of the Government’s UK-wide continuing drive to increase the availability of testing, drive down transmission rates and help areas ease tougher restrictions. With one in three people with coronavirus showing no symptoms, increased community testing is a vital additional tool at our disposal to help identify those who are infected and infectious, but unaware that they might be spreading the disease.
'In total, more than 1.6 million lateral flow tests will initially be delivered to these first 67 areas, with the increased testing capacity available in some areas starting in December.'
