The United Kingdom Statistics Authority has described official figures on Coronavirus testing as “far from complete and comprehensible”.
In a scathing letter to Secretary for Health, Matt Hancock, Chair of the Authority, Sir David Norgrove (pictured) said the way data on testing was currently analysed and presented to the public gave “limited value”.
Sir David said testing statistics were falling well short of expectations, claiming it was not surprising that given their inadequacy, data on testing was so widely criticised and often mistrusted.
“Statistics on testing perhaps serve two main purposes. The first is to help us understand the epidemic… showing us how many people are infected, or not, and their relevant characteristics,” Sir David said.
“The second purpose is to help manage the test program, to ensure there are enough tests, that they are carried out or sent where they are needed and that they are being used as effectively as possible,” he said.
Sir David said the way the data was analysed and presented gives limited value for the first purpose.
“The aim seems to be to show the largest possible number of tests, even at the expense of understanding,” he said.
“It is also hard to believe the statistics work to support the testing program itself. The statistics and analysis serve neither purpose well.”
“I do understand the pressures that those concerned have faced and still face, but I am sure you would agree that good evidence, trusted by the public, is essential to success in containing the virus,” Sir David said.
Mr Hancock said figures for the Government’s new Track and Trace testing system were not yet available, but that it was up and running and had been successful so far.
London, 3 June 2020
