This testing saga - which is playing out in similar ways on tv, in the media, and on twitter - is profoundly depressing. Short thread. 1/10
Everyone agrees that more testing is 'good'. So the Govt sets an (ambitious/audacious/arbitrary) target for more testing. 2/10
Undeniably, big progress has been made. Our testing rates now compare well internationally. BUT... 3/10
The Govt employs 'sleight of hand' - numbers of tests v numbers of people tested; capacity v delivery of tests; tests provided v tests completed. It is tawdry. 4/10
That in turn polarises opinion. Critics (who are pointing out inconsistencies) are demonised. From the other side,
defenders of the Govt are also demonised. 5/10
defenders of the Govt are also demonised. 5/10
And... all the while, the big picture is missed. The big question is whether and how increased testing can help us deal with the crisis we face. 6/10
And there are all too few questions about that.
So, and this is just an example, there has been a lot of talk about the tests which have been sent out in the post over the last days. 7/10
So, and this is just an example, there has been a lot of talk about the tests which have been sent out in the post over the last days. 7/10
The test kits exist. But... can the results be processed? In what sort of numbers? And, crucially, in what timescale? Will they be useful for a test and trace strategy? If not, what does that strategy depend on? 8/10
I'm not sure if all this is the Govt's fault, or society's fault, or the media's fault, or twitter's fault (probably a combination of all those)... but the debate is depressing (and all too familiar). 9/10
Divisions in society are increasing. Given the need for a coordinated national effort in the weeks/months ahead, that it not a good place to be. 10/10
