Why isn't it headline news that no tests are available?

[Froginaboginasmock]

Surely this is incredibly important - Govt said over and over we couldn't return to school/work without Test and Trace - and it's already broken down.

No tests whatsoever available now in my area, scores of others on MN reporting the same. Checked the Guardian live, BBC - nothing. Why isn't this being reported? It doesn't seem to be restricted tests, having no travel etc anymore: it's no tests.

Oh they've apologised. Well that's alright then

As in they have acknowledged the problems. You were the one saying you hadn't heard anything, and other pp's are saying there is a cover up, when there obviously isn't.

Yanbu, OP. I read it on Twitter this morning. The story was broken by the Sunday Times and has since been picked up by Sky News. No one else, afaik, which is odd, as it's a huge, huge story imo. I'm particularly surprised the Guardian hasn't picked it up on its live blog. Under normal circumstances, I would expect this to be career-ending for Hancock, but who knows in these post-decency times.

I think most posters are in the dark about what you're referencing actually: www.thetimes.co.uk/article/leaked-figures-reveal-scale-of-coronavirus-test-shortage-xjxprnm0v (paywall) or news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-covid-testing-programme-in-chaos-amid-185-000-swab-backlog-leaked-documents-show-12070814

Here you go. Horse's mouth: twitter.com/Gabriel_Pogrund/status/1305047753983225858

The fact that most people think you're talking about more anodyne stories from days ago kind of proves your point tbh.

I heard it on the radio on bbc this morning.

Maybe not front page news, but a few from this weekend:

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8727475/Governments-world-beating-Covid-testing-chaos-185-000-backlog.html

www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/making-coronavirus-patients-no-car-22672774 (Opinion piece by an MP)

www.ft.com/content/45a559bd-ec00-426b-9f05-ac962ba49375 (paywall)

It has been in Wales: Coronavirus: Lab testing issues 'may take weeks to resolve'
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-54140268

YANBU OP. I feel it has barely been reported. Still reporting that people are travelling miles for a test but very little reporting of there being NO tests in many areas. I realise the BBC did do an article about it but I would have expected this to be on their top news stories and to stay there.

We are in the middle of a pandemic. The testing system is in chaos. Surely journalism has a responsibility to be a force for good in this. It needs to be reported constantly until the government is embarrassed into asking for help. The situation is dire.

It's on the news, but the coverage isn't anything like it should be. The lack of testing is outrageous, it's a crises situation and should be headline news. Clearly the media is being controlled. The government need to be held to account. This situation with testing is the reason we're going to lose control of this virus, yet all everyone's focused on is snitching on their neighbours for having a social gathering of more than six people.

Media is bought by this government. They do not go to channels which criticise them ( Channel 4 ).

@TooStressyTooMessy

YANBU OP. I feel it has barely been reported. Still reporting that people are travelling miles for a test but very little reporting of there being NO tests in many areas. I realise the BBC did do an article about it but I would have expected this to be on their top news stories and to stay there.

We are in the middle of a pandemic. The testing system is in chaos. Surely journalism has a responsibility to be a force for good in this. It needs to be reported constantly until the government is embarrassed into asking for help. The situation is dire.

Exactly. I would expect this to be the biggest news story, especially with the new leaks @ConquestEmpireHungerPlague posted about above. It’s outrageous.

Also, the information/guidance re coughs and colds is too unclear. They should have seen this coming and provided more useful information. I have a DC who was coughing (a bit), now not coughing. Obviously has had a cold. Am I meant to send them to school or not? Get a test or not? I genuinely don’t know, and I have read the guidance, many times!

Been trying for a test for my adult son since Friday. Can't get anything. Hence all the family are going to have to stay home.

It's on the news, but the coverage isn't anything like it should be. The lack of testing is outrageous, it's a crises situation and should be headline news. Clearly the media is being controlled. The government need to be held to account. This situation with testing is the reason we're going to lose control of this virus, yet all everyone's focused on is snitching on their neighbours for having a social gathering of more than six people.

Exactly. It's appalling.

Totally worth filing a complaint if you agree.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/contact/complaints/make-a-complaint/#/Complaint

YNBU The mainstream news (bbc) is more interested in talking about the rule of 6 and how people may not stick to the rules. Distraction and blaming the public again.

@FrolickingLemon

Because as usual, the Govt largely control the media, and it's not something they want to broadcast. Fucking mess. A massive, ongoing colossal fuckturd.

This? They want us back to work and school so limiting the number of tests performed will show a drop in positive results? IDK, maybe I'm too cynical.

www.facebook.com/26363622695/posts/10158449294432696/

I just saw this on Facebook. Dr Xand (from Operation Ouch) on The One Show saying how test and trace is not working.

Scotland here, I've referred several of my nursing team for testing and appointments have been booked for a day or 2 after referral. Haven't encountered any problems with the system yet-touch wood!! It might be because we are health staff though, not sure.

Agreed. It needs to be at the top of every news outlet. The Lancet published a report which says that in order to prevent a second wave in December, which is bigger than the first one, test and trace has to be fully operational.

I am seriously worried about how this is being handled. We're going to be in big trouble.

mobile.twitter.com/forest_fr1ends/status/1305150672476741632

It will be.

Bedford was chaotic today. Not much social distancing. I was horrified.

Here's a screenshot of the BBC homepage. Testing isn't even mentioned in the 'Coronavirus section'. Look at what they focusing on - university students and reckless house party hosts. It's outrageous!

@Feminist10101

It will be.

Hope so! I keep checking (the news as well as the test centres...)

I love that Coffee .

Thanks Salty. I have emailed the BBC already but didn’t use that complaints form so will do that tonight.

Exactly Frog. For better or worse, many people in the UK (myself included) will look to the BBC for news first. Whether on TV, radio or the website, surely this should be a headline and stay there until a functioning testing system exists.

I was advised they release slots at 8pm and I managed to get one at 8.05pm for the following morning x