Q&A at daily press conference on Covid-19 from Downing Street

The video discusses the development and validation of COVID-19 antibody tests, emphasizing the importance of test specificity to avoid false positives. It highlights the focus on rolling out these tests to the NHS and carers first. The video also explains the scientific context of the virus, which emerged in December, and the need to understand the antibody response post-infection, recommending a waiting period of 14 to 28 days after infection to ensure accurate antibody detection.

What is the initial focus for the rollout of the new antibody tests?

• Schools and universities

• Public transportation workers

• National Health Service and carers

• Retail employees

Why is it crucial for the antibody test to be highly specific?

• To reduce the time needed for results

• To make it easier to administer

• To minimize the chance of false positives

• To ensure it is affordable

What could be a consequence of using a test that gives false positive results?

• It would require more medical staff

• The test would be more expensive

• People might think they have immunity when they do not

• The test would take longer to process

How long after infection should one wait to apply the antibody test for accurate results?

• 14 to 28 days

• 7 days

• 60 days

• Immediately after symptoms appear

When did the virus, which the antibody test is designed to detect, first emerge?

• February

• January

• March

• December