Ingol councillor expresses concerns over COVID test and trace system

Councillor Neil Darby, of Ingol and Cottam Ward, has called out “continued government blunders” for undermining the UK’s test and trace system at a time when public trust is essential.

The UK’s test and trace system currently requires individuals to volunteer sensitive information, like their name, age, or phone number, to any pub, cafes, restaurant etc they visit.

This system is considered key to containing a second wave of COVID-19, however, much like the government promised tracing app, concerns have been raised about data protection and how they could be leaving individuals exposed.

Councillor Darby, said: “This system is key to controlling the kinds of outbreaks which are taking place in nearby towns like Blackburn.

“It is based on the trust that when we share our data it is going to be protected. If this trust is broken and people stop engaging with the system, it will severely damage our ability to protect lives both locally and nationally.”

The Open Rights Group (ORG) has threatened the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) with legal action after it revealed a full risk assessment has not been completed since the system’s launch.

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Councillor Darby said: “We must now see the Government right its wrongs. The department for Health and Social Care needs to complete a review of the system and assess if any data collected so far has been mishandled.

“Across Preston and the whole country, we have all pulled together over these last few months to do our bit to beat coronavirus. We then need to get this system working now so that we can protect lives and fight this pandemic.

“The Government must not risk more lives and throw away our hard work by failing to build trust in a test and trace system that will protect rather than expose us.”

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