The head of the NHS test and trace programme in England has admitted that she didn’t expect to see the huge increase in demand for tests that has happened since schools went back. During tough questioning from MPs, Dido Harding said there’d been a significant rise in the number of young children and teenagers going for tests, with demand now 3 or 4 times higher than the daily capacity. Meanwhile care homes in England are set to receive more than half a billion pounds in extra government funding to help them tackle coronavirus over the winter. The money will help pay staff full wages when they are self-isolating, reduce their use of public transport and ensure staff work in only one care home. Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by health editor Hugh Pym and social affairs correspondent Alison Holt
Head of NHS testing programme admits huge rise in demand came as surprise – BBC News
