The globally recognised Community Infection Survey delivered through the Office for National Statistics will continue to provide a detailed national surveillance capability.

In the coming 2022/23 year the government can respond appropriately to emerging developments including new areas of concern such a new variation.

Who is monitoring the infections: The Vivaldi study in residential care homes, the SIREN study in the NHS and Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) surveillance in primary care.

A rapid testing response includinh free lateral flow tests and PCR tests can be rolled out should it be needed, such as the emergence of a new variant of Covid 19. Needless to say, Covid 19 will become part of the range of flu type viruses that the Government monitor every year.

What this means: A broad stockpile of lateral flow tests and the ability to ramp up testing PCR laboratories and delivery channels.

The UK government’s Therapeutics Taskforce and Antiviral Taskforce will be combined into a single unit which will continue to monitor the access to the most promising treatments for COVID-19. Where they feel necessary step in early to the treatments which are being rolled out.

Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

"As we learn to live with COVID, we are focusing our testing provision on those at higher risk of serious outcomes from the virus, while encouraging people to keep following simple steps to help keep themselves and others safe. Dame Jenny Harries goes on to say:

"The pandemic is not over and how the virus will develop over time remains uncertain. COVID still poses a real risk to many of us, particularly with case rates and hospitalisations on the rise. That is why it is sensible to wear a mask in enclosed spaces, keep indoor spaces ventilated and stay away from others if you have any symptoms of a respiratory illness, including COVID 19."

Future NHS funding:

Delivering through the Health and Social Care Levy, funding will rise by a record £36 billion over the next 3 years. In line with the rapid rise of demand. Along with the back lock that Covid has caused.

The success of the UK government’s Living with COVID plan, will enable the country and everyone in it to move quite quickly out of the pandemic.

With good protection with those at higher risk of serious outcomes from the virus through the new testing regime.