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BBC Inside Science

Covid19 - should we test everybody ?

BBC Inside Science

BBC

Technology, Science

4.51.3K Ratings

🗓️ 15 July 2021

⏱️ 29 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Epidemiologist Julian Peto is advocating mass testing as the key part of a plan to stop the virus spreading. Studies where everyone has been tested have picked up asymptomatic cases. With the addition of isolation and contact tracing this method of testing has been able to massively reduce the spread of the virus. The hope is such a coordinated scheme implemented nationally could help bring the numbers down. There’s a question over which type of test is best to use for mass testing. At the moment many of us do lateral flow tests at home. Although they give instant results their accuracy has been shown to be strongly linked to how well the tests are conducted - hence the need to back up any positive findings with the more accurate PCR test. PCR takes longer and needs sophisticated lab equipment. However a compromise could be to use RT Lamp tests, they are accurate, give results in around 20 minutes, do require a very basic lab, but without the expensive equipment of PCR. A number of RT lamp tests have now been developed for SARS-Cov2. Kevin Fong has been to see the developers of one of them, the OxLAMP test. And with the lifting of restrictions how are you going to judge your own personal risk from Covid? It’s a question that interests philosopher of science Eleanor Knox. She says government mandates on mask wearing and social distancing have allowed us to avoid tricky questions around our own potential risk from the virus and risks our own behaviour might pose to loved ones. Now there’s a lot more to think about in terms of balancing our desires to return to some semblance of normality while levels of Covid infection continue to rise. One area that’s come into sharp focus over lockdown is exercise. Some people have been unable to exercise due to Covid restrictions while others have discovered a whole new interest in moving more. A new book ‘Move’ by Caroline Williams explores the links between brain function, evolution and movement. She says staying active is a fundamental part of what makes us human.

Transcript

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0:00.0

Before you listen to this BBC podcast, I'd like to introduce myself.

0:03.7

My name's Stevie Middleton and I'm a BBC Commissioner for a load of sport podcasts.

0:08.4

I'm lucky to do that at the BBC because I get to work with a leading journalist, experienced

0:12.2

pundits and the biggest sport stars.

0:14.3

Together we bring you untold stories and fascinating insights straight from the players'

0:18.5

mouths.

0:19.5

But the best thing about doing this at the BBC is our unique access to the sport world.

0:25.0

What that means is that we can bring you podcasts that create a real connection to

0:28.8

dedicated sports fans across the UK.

0:31.4

So if you like this podcast, head over to BBC Sounds where you'll find plenty more.

0:36.3

Congratulations on your excellent judgement in downloading the podcast of Inside Science,

0:41.0

which aired on 15 July 2021.

0:44.5

It's coming.

0:46.2

Next Monday is when the Covid restrictions are lifted in England.

0:50.0

Inside Science will be getting a philosopher's take on how we'll handle the risk.

0:54.3

We'll also be looking at a mass testing scheme which could knock this whole pandemic

0:58.7

out in a matter of weeks.

1:01.1

And I'll be running for the hills with Caroline Williams, author of a new book on how we humans

1:05.6

evolved to move and why it's good for our brains and wellbeing.

1:10.3

The benefits of being able to move and go long distances on our feet could be tied to

1:16.0

that improving our ability to navigate and work together and think and plan.

1:25.2

Next Monday, in England, all legal restrictions on social contact will be removed.

...

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