Since the service was launched, 31,421 cases have been referred to it – of which it has reached 23,796 people (75.7 per cent). A total of 169,863 close contacts of infected people have been identified. Of these, 144,501 were subsequently reached and asked to self-isolate.
Liberal Democrat leadership candidate Layla Moran said: "Having an effective Test and Trace system is absolutely critical to controlling this pandemic and getting the economy moving again. Yet we seem to be going backwards not forwards as hundreds of people with coronavirus are still being missed each week.
"It's all very well announcing measures to get people spending again, but these will be of little use if the government is unable to control a second wave."
Today’s figures showed that almost 55 per cent coronavirus test results were delivered to people tested within 24 hours of the samples being received by laboratories.
Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures
1/61
NHS labs performed best, with 97 per cent turning round samples within 24 hours of receipt.
The speed of getting test results back to people being tested is crucial in stopping them unknowingly spreading the virus.
Only a fraction of people testing positive for Covid-19 have their case referred to the Test and Trace service.
Baroness Harding, executive chair of NHS Test and Trace, said: “I continue to applaud all those who have played their part, got a test after experiencing symptoms, and responded to the service.
“I urge anyone contacted by NHS Test and Trace to follow the advice they receive to protect their families and communities.”
