Test and trace failing to contact thousands in England’s worst-hit areas

Exclusive: proportion of close contacts being reached is below 80% in high infection areas

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The government’s flagship test-and-trace system is failing to contact thousands of people in areas with the highest infection rates in England, raising further questions about the £10bn programme described by Boris Johnson as “world-beating”.

Local leaders and directors of public health are demanding more control over the tracing operation amid concerns that their ability to contain the virus is being put at risk.

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