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Changes to when we publish influenza and RSV data

We are changing how often we publish our influenza and RSV data. From 29 May, we will update metrics for both influenza and RSV every 2 weeks instead of weekly. We will resume weekly updates in October this year.

BackEntry title:

COVID-19 tests in last 7 days

Last updated on Wednesday, 12 February 2025 at 10:32am

Summary

Topic
COVID-19
Category
headline
API name
COVID-19_headline_tests_7DayTotal

Rationale

COVID-19 testing is required to identify cases of COVID-19

Definition

This metric shows a count of new positive and negative COVID-19 virus test results in the last 7 days. Data is shown by the date that the test was taken (specimen date).

This metric has been deprecated and no longer appears on the dashboard. Historic data for this metric is available in the API.

Methodology

The testing data reporting on the dashboard is for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests only. Data from rapid lateral flow (LFD) tests are not included. Note that cases data includes results from both PCR and LFD tests. Data for the last 5 days by specimen date are considered incomplete as it takes time to get test results and record them on relevant lab systems. The count of reported tests taken in the last 7 days is the total of the daily number of tests taken in the 7 days up to and including the most recent date with "complete" data (i.e. 5 days before the latest reported date)

Caveats

Results from PCR tests only - LFD results are not included

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