Britain`s $30.6 billion COVID-19 test-and-trace programme still missing targets: Watchdog

The UK programme was launched by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in May 2020 to oversee the testing of those who thought they had the virus and then to trace the contacts of those who tested positive.

London: Britain`s much-maligned multi-billion pound COVID-19 test-and-trace system has improved but is still missing targets and the results of millions of tests to find asymptomatic cases have not been reported, parliament`s spending watchdog said on Friday. The programme, which was given a 22 billion pound ($30.6 billion) budget, was launched by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in May 2020 to oversee testing of those who thought they had the virus and then to trace the contacts of those who tested positive. Critics say it has wasted huge sums and failed in its primary objective of breaking the chain of transmission.