Coronavirus test team expands to boost effectiveness

The government has announced the expansion of the expert team leading on the rapid nationwide roll-out of the coronavirus test and trace programme.

The programme, backed by increased testing capacity and a contact tracing app developed by NHSX, has been designed to minimise the spread of coronavirus, by identifying people who may have been in contact with the virus. It launched on the Isle of Wight earlier this month.

Now, further experts have been added to the team working on the programme’s nationwide roll out for later this month. Tom Riordan, chief executive of Leeds City Council, will be leading on tracing alongside his existing role, and Sarah-Jane Marsh, chief executive of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, will be the lead on testing.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I am delighted to welcome Tom Riordan and Sarah-Jane Marsh to our team of experts working to rapidly expand the test and trace programme across the country. As we respond to an evolving pandemic, their expert leadership will support us to follow each case of the virus within the UK, curbing its spread and saving lives.”