Coronavirus study: 20,000 UK households asked to provide throat swabs.Tens of thousands of households in England are being asked to take part in a new study to track the spread of COVID-19.

The research is aimed at understanding the current rate of infection and how many people have developed antibodies to the coronavirus.

The first part of the study will involve around 20,000 households in England, chosen to be representative of the UK population in age and geography.

People will provide nose and throat swabs and answer questions during a home visit by a healthcare worker.

The tests will show whether the person has the virus and they will be asked to take further tests each week for five weeks and then every month for a year.

There are plans to involve around 300,000 people in the study over the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, adults from around 1,000 households will also give a blood sample to help determine how many people have developed antibodies to COVID-19. They will be asked to give samples each month for a year.

The test is being validated by scientists at Oxford University.

Blood samples will not be taken from households where someone has COVID-19 symptoms or is self-isolating or being shielded. Swabs will be taken from all participating households, regardless of symptoms...Read More….

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