UK health agency to cut 800 jobs and halt routine Covid testing

Exclusive: Alarming' cuts by UK Health Security Agency could cost lives, public health experts warn

The flagship public health body set up by Boris Johnson to combat the pandemic is in turmoil, with plans looming to cut jobs by up to 40% and suspend routine Covid testing in hospitals and care homes to save money.

Whitehall sources have told the Guardian that the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), led by Dr Jenny Harries, is in a state of disarray, with morale at rock bottom and concerns it is not funded to cope with any resurgence in the pandemic. Public health experts warned that the alarming" cuts could cost lives.