Hailsham man is sent other people’s Covid-19 test results
and live on Freeview channel 276
Glen Martin received three strangers’ private details in a text message after taking a test himself – and he’s not the first person this has happened to.
He said, “It’s a complete mess-up. It should be more secure than that.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“I’m hoping they have improved it since. How many people has this happened to? It’s not on.”
The aquarium shop manager took a test on September 29 and received a negative result a few days later.
However, what he didn’t expect was three texts on October 3 telling him three strangers’ covid-19 test results too.
In the messages, seen by this newspaper, he was sent each individual’s full name, date of birth, and whether they had tested positive or negative.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said, “If a person had tested positive, it’s not nice news to be sent to someone else.”
Glen tried to register a complaint but said the process was too complicated.
And he is not alone.
Just weeks ago we reported on a woman who had been through a very similar situation.
Amanda Greenfield went for a test at a drive-thru facility in Bexhill on August 19.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe was told to expect her results in 24 hours – but she has never received them.
Instead, on August 23, Amanda says she was texted three complete strangers’ covid-19 test results.
Like Glen, she was sent these individuals’ names, date of birth, and whether or not they had coronavirus.
“If I have received these people’s information who on Earth has received mine?” she said, “It’s a massive data protection breach.
“NHS Test and Trace is not working.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdGiven the allegations in full, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said, “NHS Test and Trace is processing over 280,000 tests a day from more than 500 test centres and mobile units, with the vast majority of people reporting no issues with the process.
“Everyone who tests positive is contacted directly and informed of their results either by text or email. Anyone who has not received their result from an in-person or home test after five days is advised to call 119.”