So - re testing capacity, we have a % each day carved out for patients and symptomatic people who need a test and a % for outbreak support, screening in high risk settings and surveillance/research studies. As such our daily activity figures are largely demand led.

In addition, we are continually asking the scientists how many tests a day we need. We are largely there for the summer period hence shifting our focus to access, speed of turnaround times, connectivity of data and localising prioritisation.

But we are also starting to plan for the winter - when many more tests a day might be needed. And if we can ramp up Point of Care Testing with 10-15 minute turnarounds then the game will be changed and we will need even more as the use will be wider.

I will now brace myself for lots of replies re what could be better about testing, but I assure you the testing team’s list is longer. We are totally focused on improving our service. Lives depend on us.