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# NEW: Thousands of people are not being reached through test and trace in Birmingham
- URL: https://www.birminghameastside.co.uk/new-thousands-of-people-are-not-being-reached-through-test-and-trace-in-birmingham/
- Published: 2020-10-23T09:40:12.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-14T10:02:46.000Z
- Author: George Willoughby
- Tags: News, #Migrated-1786701253228, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-08-14 09:54

#### Birmingham had one of the lowest percentages of close contacts reached after being referred onto the test and trace system.

Only **54%** of contacts were reached - lower than the **61%** average for the rest of England.

[Latest figures](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-test-and-trace-england-and-coronavirus-testing-uk-statistics-8-october-to-14-october?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk) from the UK government revealed out of the **28,886 people** identified as a close contact, only **15,589** were approached.

While testing capacity is increasing, Health Minister Lord Bethell said that "more needs to be done."

> "Across the country, our people are working tirelessly as we continue to test more per head than any other European country. However, we know that more needs to be done and we are constantly looking for new ways to improve the service."

https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/4108952/

### Cases are mounting

The number of cumulative cases in Birmingham stands at **18,956**, with **over 2,000 cases** confirmed in the past week.

Birmingham is not the only area struggling to follow up with close contacts.

In Wolverhampton, just **56%** of close contacts were reached as well as only **57%** in Sandwell.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/63/9b/639bf577-7ed7-44fe-8d64-ac66eaeee42e/content/images/2026/08/va5df-reaching-close-contacts-is-an-issue-all-areas-of-the-west-midlands-are-facing.png)

Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection **Baroness Dido Harding** said:

> "Reducing turnaround times is our absolute priority to make sure we are reaching people as soon as possible.  
>  
> "Strengthening our partnerships with local public health teams, meanwhile, will further improve the speed with which we are able to trace and contact people in their communities.”