The Independent SAGE outlines in a new report what is required of an effective system to chase down every viral infection and prevent its ongoing spread.

Matt Hancock said today that 85% of contacts had been traced. This is deeply misleading as it relates only to the 5407 individuals who were reached by contact tracers and ignores the 75% of new cases that were simply not found.

At this critical stage of the pandemic, an effective COVID‐19 Find, Test, Trace, Isolate and Support (FTTIS) programme is essential if we are to recover our economy, protect livelihoods and secure longer‐term wellbeing and health provision for all. This report outlines Independent SAGE recommendations in this area.