Government’s strategy of ‘mass testing’ for COVID-19 will require ‘structured financial and social support’ to promote self-isolation and mitigate impacts on inequalities

Group established to advise SAGE on the benefits and challenges of mass testing also says provision of financial support to safeguard incomes would be likely to have the single largest effect in achieving equitable testing

The government’s strategy of ‘mass testing’ for COVID-19 will require ‘structured financial and social support' both to promote self-isolation and mitigate impacts on inequalities, according to the Multidisciplinary Task and Finish Group on Mass Testing (TFMS) established to advise the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

In Consensus Statement prepared by TFMS for SAGE: 27 August 2020, the TFMS - a multidisciplinary group established to examine, from technological, epidemiological, and behavioural perspectives, the benefits and challenges of mass testing for COVID-19 - presents its findings and recommendations to improve the outcomes of the government’s strategy of mass testing (described as ‘operation moonshot’ by Health Secretary Matt Hancock).

Amongst its key observations, the TFMS advises that mass testing can only lead to decreased transmission if individuals with a positive test rapidly undertake effective isolation. However, it highlights that self-reported ability to self-isolate or quarantine is three times lower in those with incomes less than £20,000 or savings less than £100, a finding echoed in accounts during the current pandemic of those in low paid employment unable to self-isolate for financial reasons.

As a result, its recommendations include a need for -

‘... a universal response to receipt of a positive test result [that] may need structured financial and social support both to promote self-isolation and mitigate impacts on inequalities. This should include (i) proactive provision of information and social and clinical support, (ii) sufficient supplies of food, (iii) employment protection, (iv) financial assistance and (v) accommodation where necessary.’

In addition, a supporting paper prepared by the TFMS Behavioural Team - that summarises evidence regarding the four areas of structured support to improve adherence to self-isolation and quarantine guidelines identified in the Consensus Statement - includes findings that financial support to safeguard incomes -

‘… would likely have the single largest effect in achieving equitable testing – i.e. testing that benefits the social groups with fewest material and other resources as well as those with the most. This is based on descriptive analyses of COVID-19 and other pandemics and epidemics which clearly highlight the difficulties for those who are poorest to support themselves and their families without leaving their homes.’

For more information, see TFMS: Consensus statement on mass testing, 27 August 2020 from gov.uk