Health expert says Sheffield's mass testing strategy is 'very sensible'

A health expert has described Sheffield’s strategy for mass testing as “very sensible”.
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The city’s health bosses are planning to use the lateral flow tests to target certain high-risk groups on a regular basis, such as frontline workers, rather than offering a test to everyone – something which is available in other cities.

The test kits, which are widely available and do not need to be sent to a laboratory, will allow people to be tested without symptoms so the virus can be detected early, potentially saving lives.

They can provide a result within just 30 minutes.

Mass testing in Sheffield will be used to target high-risk groups, unlike in other cities.Mass testing in Sheffield will be used to target high-risk groups, unlike in other cities.
Mass testing in Sheffield will be used to target high-risk groups, unlike in other cities.
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Relatives of care home residents could also be offered tests to allow them to visit loved ones.

On the strategy, Dr Andrew Lee, reader in public health at the University of Sheffield, said: “It’s very sensible.

"They are doing the right thing targeting it, that way you are much more likely to hit the high-risk groups, or doing it in a vulnerable setting where the need is better.”