Britain’s missing 16,000 coronavirus cases thought linked to use of Excel spreadsheets for tracking
- Investigation launched after up to 50,000 contacts may not have been traced as result of thousands of infections going unreported
- ‘Glitch’ believed to be connected to ‘well-known’ file size limitations on popular spreadsheet software
The British government has launched an investigation into how nearly 16,000 new coronavirus infections went unreported as a result of a technical glitch, a failing that could have given fresh impetus to an outbreak that critics say could easily get out of control.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told lawmakers on Monday that the problem was related to the “automated transfer of files”. The problem is widely thought to be connected to the file size limitations on Excel spreadsheets used in the test-and-trace programme.
“This is a serious issue which is being investigated fully,” Hancock said. “Now it is critical we work together to put it right and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Hancock’s appearance at the House of Commons came after the weekend disclosure that 15,841 virus cases were not tabulated from September 25 to October 2. Though those testing positive had been told of their status, their contacts – potentially around 50,000 people – were not traced, a failing that could have allowed the virus to flourish.
He said 51 per cent of those testing positive were contacted again and that their contacts were reached immediately after that.