Milton Keynes population should be tested en masse for Covid, say city's MPs

This week Health Secretary Matt Hancock MP confirmed he had written to directors of public health across the country, saying the super speedy testing could be made available for “10 percent of their population per week.”

Coronavirus mass testing pilots have already started in England with the help of the army, and more are planned over the coming weeks and months. Some 67 authorities, including neighbouring Council Luton, have already taken up the offer.

In Liverpool 100,000 people have been tested for coronavirus through the scheme, which picks up Covid cases in people who are not even showing symptoms.

The test results come back within an hour.

MK Conservative Health and Adult Social Care Spokesperson, Cllr Alice Jenkins, said: “Mass testing has shown to be effective and we’d like to see Milton Keynes Council take up the offer as soon as possible."

She added: "We understand that mass-testing presents logistical challenges, but this is still an ambition that the council should be setting itself. It will allow further support for tracing those who are positive and at risk, and allows more people to avoid self isolation. This would play an important part in getting our economy moving post lockdown.”

MK South MP Iain Stewart said: "I would urge Milton Keynes Council to grasp this opportunity of mass testing with two hands! By identifying those who have coronavirus, we can minimise the risk of transmission between households across the city.

"Therefore, not only will we be able to save lives, we will also protect our NHS."

MK North MP Ben Everitt said: “The mass testing scheme in Liverpool has already proven to be effective so why would MK

Council not take advantage of this opportunity? By testing more and getting results back within an hour we can stop the spread of the virus and

save lives.”