Coronavirus: 20,000 households to take part in test to track infection and levels of immunity

Over 20,000 households in England are to take part in a major new government study to track COVID-19 in the general population.

The study aims to improve understanding around the current rate of infection and how many people are likely to have developed antibodies to the virus.

Initial findings are expected to be available in early May

All participants will provide a nose and throat swab to test for whether or not they currently have the virus. In total, 25,000 people will take part in the pilot phase of the survey, with plans to extend it to up to around 300,000 over the next 12 months.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said: “Understanding more about the rate of COVID-19 infection in the general population, and the longer-term prevalence of antibodies, is a vital part of our ongoing response to this virus.

“This survey will help to track the current extent of transmission and infection in the UK, while also answering crucial questions about immunity as we continue to build up our understanding of this new virus.

“Together, these results will help us better understand the spread of the virus to date, predict the future trajectory and inform future action we take, including crucially the development of ground-breaking new tests and treatments.”

Participants in the study will form a representative sample of the entire UK population by age and geography. The results will help scientists and the government in the ongoing response to the coronavirus outbreak, with initial findings expected to be available in early May.

Funding for the survey is being provided by the Department for Health and Social Care. While the pilot phase will take place in England only, it will be extended to other parts of the UK in due course.

Professor Sarah Walker of University of Oxford Nuffield Department of Medicine said: “This is one of the largest and most important studies underway into the COVID-19 virus and will transform our understanding of the infection.”

Tim Sheppard of IQVIA UK added: “IQVIA is proud to be playing our part in helping to understand COVID-19 - the greatest public health challenge that has faced the world in a generation.

“Our nursing team has 30 years’ experience of working with the NHS to support patient care. This population study is vital, time-critical work, and is another part of our global mission to better understand COVID-19 and change the course of this pandemic.”

Adults from around 1,000 households will also provide a blood sample taken by a trained nurse.

These tests will help determine what proportion of the population has developed antibodies to COVID-19. Participants will be asked to give further samples monthly for the next 12 months.