CORONAVIRUS

Rationing ahead after day of massive test shortages

Covid cases surge among middle-aged as test shortage worsens
People queue for a coronavirus test outside a community centre in Bury
People queue for a coronavirus test outside a community centre in Bury
PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS

Coronavirus infection rates among middle-aged people have reached the same level that those in their twenties saw two weeks ago, ministers fear.

The development came as an analysis by The Times showed that there were no coronavirus tests available in England at points yesterday and only a handful of slots free at centres in Scotland and Wales.

Internal government figures suggest that rates have more than tripled in all age groups since the end of July. They are still highest among teenagers and those in their twenties, but rates among people in their forties and fifties are at similar levels to where these younger age groups were two weeks ago.

Figures published last week showed that rates in people aged between 40 and 49 had