@MRex
SW hospital admissions are rising at a steeper rate than the rest of England, and dramatically out of proportion to the case rates. That means the LFTs are correct and the PCRs are too low. What confuses me most is that some people have retested and got a positive PCR later. If it isn't a different variant, then it's people sabotaging results. I don't know how PHE could actually fail to pick up on a different variant by now, they've had weeks of looking into this and could have asked for retesting. Suggesting PCR is useless would be explosive, so it would have to be kept under their hats while the issue is fixed. Likewise sabotage, the group responsible need to be uncovered before any announcements. So, my working theory is that either PHE will announce it's a different variant AND change to all tests, or announce arrests for test result sabotage. If in doubt though, I'd trust the LFT.
That’s because positive Covid cases are out and about in schools, workplaces and generally living their lives. It’s actually criminal what’s happening in the SW.
My very ill daughter (with Covid) negative on drive through. 6 positive LTF+ and now awaiting postal tests. My friend is now in hospital same pattern (positive on postal). This has happened to significant numbers of school staff and pupils in the area.
Covid IS being allowed to run free down here because negative PCR, back to school/work for you. A day or so later? More get ill or the original person gets really sick then a delayed positive.
Like I say, it is absolutely criminal what’s happening and I expect hospital rates and death rates soon to reflect that.