Government considering changes to rules on PCR tests

The government estimates that about a million people are now self-isolating. With staff off sick and hospitalisations increasing, a number of NHS trusts have declared critical incidents and some Greater Manchester hospitals are stopping non-urgent surgery. As a result, the government is now considering changes to coronavirus testing. People will no longer have to take PCR tests to confirm their coronavirus infection after a positive lateral flow test. Care Minister Gillian Keegan speaks to Today’s Mishal Husain about the new thinking on lateral flow tests. GP Dr Zahid Chauhan, Director of Public Health Cumbria, Colin Cox and the President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Katherine Henderson speak to Today’s Nick Robinson about the pressures the NHS faces. Also on the programme discussing staff shortages were Nick Allen, Chief Executive of the British Meat Processors Association and Lucy Moreton, Professional Officer of the Immigration Services Union. (Image Credit: European Pressphoto Agency)