While a coronavirus vaccine may be on the horizon the search goes on for a more short-term solution to dealing with Covid-19.

Today (Tuesday, November 10) the government announced a partnership between NHS Test and Trace and local authorities to start mass-testing in 67 areas - including Richmond.

The Department of Health and Social Care said it was sending 600,000 rapid tests to these areas, offering a significant improvement on the current 24-hour wait time.

How the rapid tests work

The test works using the following five steps:

1. Swab from nose or throat
2. Specimen added to extraction tube
3. Drops of extraction fluid then added to this tube
4. Wait 20-30 minutes
5. Read the results

Words from the Health Secretary

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Last week we rolled out mass testing in Liverpool using new, rapid technology so we can detect this virus quicker than ever before, even in people who don't have symptoms.

"Mass testing is a vital tool to help us control this virus and get life more normal.

"I want to thank all directors of public health for their support and efforts over the past months to help us tackle this virus, bring it under control and get the country back to what we love doing."

What mass testing actually means

The arrival of the mass testing system will herald a major change on who gets tested in Richmond.

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Currently, residents are encouraged to get a test only if they display symptoms of Covid-19. But mass testing means asking everyone to be tested, regardless of whether they are displaying symptoms.

Studies have shown that as many as 3 in 4 people carrying the virus will show no symptoms.

Mass testing will find those people who are infectious and they will be told to self-isolate so they don't pass it onto anyone else.

How can I get a rapid test?

The decision on who gets tested rests with Richmond's director of public health Shannon Katiyo.

Rapid tests will be used on 10% of our borough's population each week once the system is up and running.

The initial batch of 600,000 tests will be topped up on a weekly basis.

Where else has mass testing been put in place

Richmond borough is one of 67 areas in England joining this new mass testing programme.

Neighbouring Kingston as well as London boroughs Wandsworth and Lambeth have also been selected.

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Areas were chosen based on the local prevalence of the virus and the willingness of local council leaders to join it. Richmond became the capital's covid blackspot in October when our infection rate soared to the highest in London.

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