Bill Harvey: Sonic attack

As we pass the one-year mark since the WHO declared a pandemic, I have just pulled out of the NHS Test and Trace programme and instead put myself on the reserve list in case of future crises. Political and commercial nepotism has led to justifiable criticism of the programme, but that has meant some excellent work by frontline NHS staff has been largely overshadowed. So, I am going to attempt to partly redress the balance.

First, some figures from the NHS. Last week, 88.6% of those testing positive were reached, offered advice and support, and asked to provide information about their contacts, 93.9% of whom were then reached and told to self-isolate. This is an effective service, and no £3,000-a-day consultants can persuade me otherwise.