One third of hospital staff under Uk’s NHS test positive for coronavirus

TRACKING____A startling one-third of hospital staff in the UK have tested positive for coronavirus, according to latest data from the British government.

Out of 16,888 NHS staff tested, 5,733 or 34 per cent were found to have the virus.

Included in the figures were tests conducted on key workers and their households.

The government has been under intense pressure not only to ramp up testing for NHS workers, but also improve their access to protective equipment (PPE).

Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously said that the ultimate goal is to provide testing to all NHS workers regardless of symptoms.

But the level of testing in the UK remains drastically lower than several European countries.

Responding to criticism over the rate, Hancock said on April 2 he would increase the number from 10,000 to 100,000 tests per day by the end of the month.

He said he was to reach the new level.

On April 12, however, only 14,506 tests were conducted according to his Health Department.

This suggested the government is far away from its goal.

At least 19 NHS workers have died after contracting the virus.