Written question WQ83396
- Asked by
- Rhun ap IorwerthPlaid
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What cross-border arrangements are in place to ensure that COVID-19 test results in one UK country are shared with another country if the outbreak has occurred in that country and where there may be implications for track and trace requirements?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
Data sharing across UK borders has been in place throughout the pandemic. The Department for Health and Social Care manages a data repository for COVID-19 testing results that is accessible to the public health authorities in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This system captures the results for testing conducted across the UK by the Lighthouse Laboratories.
Testing results for Welsh residents are notified to Public Health Wales. Results are also more widely communicated and discussed between UK public health authorities.