The deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

“It is deeply worrying to see more people test positive for COVID-19 this week, with the number of positive cases in England now the highest since May.

“It is also concerning that infrastructure problems may still be delaying some cases being transferred to the test and trace system.

“We are also continuing to see a mixed picture within the system. Of those cases that were transferred, a higher proportion of positive cases were reached, and a higher number of close contacts were identified, but a lower proportion of the close contacts were reached.

“The turnaround times for swab testing within the community also remains below what we would like to see, despite small improvements this week. It is vital improvements are made quickly as we move towards the winter months.”