In a briefing note published by the Association of Directors of Public Health today, directors also criticise the lack of transparency over funding for the national track and trace system and an “opaque” governance structure which makes it “unclear where responsibility lies for different functions”.

“As a result, it is challenging to direct requests or concerns to the right part of the system, or engage constructively in finding solutions, and responses are often slow or formulaic,” it says.

“Current performance of the Test & Trace Service is unacceptable, and, on all counts, major improvements are beyond urgent.”

The public intervention from ADPH, which usually prefers to try to resolve issues behind closed doors, is rare and reflects the huge frustration among members.

The ADPH note adds: “Public trust has been hugely compromised by the performance of the Test & Trace Service. As ‘pandemic fatigue’ increases, a more human approach that works with people and communities is essential to achieving engagement and compliance.”

Read the full note here.