UK launches major long-term study to track spread of COVID-19 in general population

Britain is carrying out a large-scale coronavirus infection and antibody test study involving up to 300,000 people to track the spread of COVID-19 in the general population, the Department for Health and Social Care said Thursday.

Led by the department and the Office for National Statistics, the study will help improve understanding about the current rate of infection and how many people are likely to have developed antibodies to 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. Adults from around 1,000 households will also provide blood samples monthly for the next 12 months.

"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," said Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

"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," he added.

Another 616 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have died in hospitals in Britain as of Wednesday afternoon, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths to 18,738, the Department of Health and Social Care said Thursday.

As of Thursday morning, 138,078 people have tested positive for COVID-19, marking a daily increase of 4,583, said the department.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Wednesday that Britain is "at the peak" of the COVID-19 outbreak while the rules of social distancing "is making a difference".

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)