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

"A fit for purpose test and trace service is vital to ensure a safe exit from lockdown.

"Its success will depend on people's willingness to abide by the process and self isolate, as instructed, if they are identified as having been in close contact with someone who has the virus.

"Trusts are incredibly grateful for the support the public has shown through compliance with social distancing measures.

"It's vital as we enter this new stage that people continue to protect themselves and others by following public health advice.

"Test and trace is welcome but the there is a lot of catching up to do.

"Testing in many places is still too slow. For many health and care providers the turnaround time is three to seven days.

"Trusts won't be able to restart normal services like routine surgery until that's been sorted out, with rapid and reliable access to testing for all patients and staff. We don't see the plans in place to do that.

"It's clear too that local plans to deal with covid hotspots will take weeks to complete.

"Rather than pretending we are about to see a world class test and trace service the government should acknowledge that this will take time. It should not repeat the mistake of overpromising and under-delivering."