Some areas have seen over 100% increase in the number of tests carried out during December.
Top of the list are Thurrock and Southend. Both moved into tier 4 on the basis that the number of positive tests (or should that be cases) increased substantially during this month. This occurred in both cases shortly after mass community testing of asymptomatic people was advised by the local council.
London recently had similar mass testing programmes in a lot of the boroughs that showed large increases in positive tests.
While there was some increase in the positive test rate (most of which occurred before mass testing started), this increase was far outstripped by the proportional increase in the number of tests.
From link above:
Increase in community Covid-19 testing
COVID-19 testing for the whole community, but with a particular focus on secondary school age children, is being increased as cases continue to rise in parts of Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock
Young people of secondary school age, particularly those in years 11, 12 and 13, and their families, who do not have symptoms are now being urged to ‘Test now for Christmas, test again before the return to school’.
The increase in testing capacity is also available to all members of the community, including younger children and their families. The exception is if you have had a positive test in the last 12 weeks, as it may be incorrectly positive.
Following an announcement from the Government last night, Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock Councils are putting plans into action, collaboratively worked up with the Department for Health and Social Care DHSC, for increased community testing in specific locations across the county including for those with no symptoms.
