20,000 Homes Join Massive New UK Covid Tracking Study
Thousands of households across England are being roped in for a huge government study to track the spread of coronavirus. The ambitious project aims to test up to 300,000 people over the next year, uncovering how many have caught the virus — and who’s developed antibodies.
Massive Covid Study Tracks Infection and Immunity
- First phase contacts 20,000 households nationwide
- Antibody tests reveal population immunity levels
- Participants swab their noses and throats at home
- Study runs weekly tests for 5 weeks, then monthly for a year
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are leading the drive, working with top scientists at Oxford University, testing experts IQVIA UK, and the National Biosample Centre in Milton Keynes.
Government Hails Study as Key to Fighting Covid
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Understanding more about the rate of COVID-19 infection in the general population, and the longer-term prevalence of antibodies, is vital for our ongoing response. This survey will track transmission, help predict future outbreaks, and guide the development of new tests and treatments.”
Trained health workers will visit homes to collect swabs and occasionally blood samples, but only where no one is showing symptoms or isolating. Results are sent back to participants’ GPs, with full confidentiality assured.
Experts Stress Importance of Study for Pandemic Response
Sir Ian Diamond, National Statistician, said: “ONS’s experience running large household surveys means this will deliver a reliable picture of Covid infection and immunity across the population — critical for decisions ahead.”
Professor Sarah Walker, University of Oxford, called it “one of the largest and most important studies into COVID-19 that will transform our understanding of the virus.”
Tim Sheppard of IQVIA UK added: “Our nursing team has decades of NHS experience. This urgent study is vital for changing the course of the pandemic.”
This flagship pillar four study complements Public Health England’s existing national surveillance programme and promises fresh insight as Britain battles the deadly COVID-19 crisis.
