• The latest NHS Test and Trace data shows 55,417 positive cases of COVID-19 were recorded between 10 June to 16 June). This is up by 34% on the previous week.
• 4,538,265 people were tested, consistent with the previous week.
• For all Pillar 2 routes combined, 81.8% were returned within 24 hours.
• Today the National Audit Office published a report which highlights the need for further improvement in the system overall.

Responding to the latest figures from NHS Test and Trace, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

"It is concerning to see a 34% increase in the number of people who tested positive for coronavirus in the past week, which is now the highest weekly percentage increase since February.

"The Test and Trace system must improve if we are to contain rising infections and combat new variants. While it is positive that more people are being transferred into the system, with an increase of 35% from last week, it is concerning that test turnaround times have fallen slightly.

"This is echoed in today's National Audit Office report on the Test and Trace system, which highlights that speed, reach, and levels of public compliance are all major factors which impact on the effectiveness of the system.

“Test and Trace has a significant role to play in curbing surges of COVID-19, but it's clear that the overall test and trace process, including encouraging people to come forward for tests and complying with self-isolation requirements, needs to get significantly better."