What the papers say – September 18
‘Chaos and inefficiency’ in coronavirus testing and optimism from Brussels over trade are on the front pages on Friday.
The Government’s test and trace system is condemned in The Guardian as “barely functional” as The Independent cites the programme’s director as admitting demand for tests is three to four times the number available.
Guardian front page, Friday 18 September 2020: Test and trace 'barely functional' as 10 million people now face lockdown pic.twitter.com/7vaQHnHDrb
— The Guardian (@guardian) September 17, 2020
INDEPENDENT DIGITAL: Demand for tests is up to 4 times capacity #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/YaTPZPiH44
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 17, 2020
A scientist who has toured the facilities tells The Times there is “chaos and inefficiency” in testing laboratories.
'Chaos and inefficiency' in Covid-19 testing labs#TomorrowsPapersToday @hendopolis pic.twitter.com/AkW0Pmk7IF
— The Times Pictures (@TimesPictures) September 17, 2020
The Daily Telegraph says hospitals have been instructed to clear beds ahead of a coronavirus spike expected in two weeks, while Metro reports cases have increased 75% in just seven days.
The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:
'Hospitals told to clear beds for Covid spike in two weeks'#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/absJEvvgGt
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 17, 2020
METRO: Cases up 75% in one week #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/kKbrmfmaEN
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 17, 2020
There are now 10 million people living in local lockdowns after the North East became the latest area to be hit with restrictions, according to the Daily Mirror.
Tomorrow's front page: 10 million in lockdown https://t.co/TT2McOyyKB #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/BeZewGssx8
— Daily Mirror (@DailyMirror) September 17, 2020
The Daily Star says it is a “mystery” that “Boris Johnson and his pals” did not see the current crisis coming.
Tomorrow's front page: 'It's a mystery…'https://t.co/fEKyZWUzyp#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/W3yrFEG9Px
— Daily Star (@dailystar) September 17, 2020
Meanwhile, scientists in the Daily Express say a shoebox-sized virus test kit capable of delivering a result in just 90 minutes could make a “huge difference” ahead of winter.
Tomorrow's front page: 'Here, at last! Virus test result in just 90 minutes' #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/WRdKw0wMc6
— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) September 17, 2020
The Government is preparing to sidestep EU licensing laws and use emergency powers to vaccinate against the virus, the i reports.
Exclusive: Emergency powers will allow use of unlicensed vaccine in UK
Friday's front page#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/S4i75IwP9N
— i newspaper (@theipaper) September 17, 2020
The Health Secretary reveals in the Daily Mail that mistakes on maternity wards are costing the NHS almost £1 billion in lawsuits a year.
Friday's @DailyMailUK #MailFrontPages pic.twitter.com/e3MzR7OhcV
— Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) September 17, 2020
Shifting to the continent, where the Financial Times reports the European Commissioner has said she remains convinced Brussels can still secure a trade deal with the UK despite the “distraction” of Mr Johnson’s move to breach the Brexit withdrawal treaty.
Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Friday 18 September https://t.co/XDjAZijb8f pic.twitter.com/VRZaH2Q6cZ
— Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) September 17, 2020