There’s more evidence of the severe problems being faced by people who need a test for coronavirus and of thousands of results being delayed. The prime minister Boris Johnson blamed the shortage on what he called a “colossal spike” in demand, with the re-opening of schools being the prime cause. Boris Johnson’s critics say it’s also the case that the government has failed to deliver on its promises. Mr Johnson told MPs that everything possible was being done and that he was determined to avoid another lockdown which he said would be “disastrous for the economy”. Meanwhile health officials in the north-west of England have warned that the coronavirus testing system there is at breaking point. The demand is so great that some hospitals in Bolton, Wigan and the Wirral have warned people with symptoms to stay away, saying there are no tests at their accident and emergency departments. Officials in the north-east of England say they will impose new restrictions by the end of the week. Huw Edwards presents BBC News at Ten reporting by health editor Hugh Pym, health correspondent Dominic Hughes and Fiona Trott.
Boris Johnson blames coronavirus test shortages on “colossal spike in demand” – BBC News
