New research from Imperial College London suggests the COVID-19 reproduction rate, or R number, could be reduced by up to 26% if test and trace is carried out quickly and effectively.

Published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, the Imperial College London study saw researchers from the University’s COVID-19 Response Team investigate the potential impact of different testing and isolation methods on transmission of the coronavirus.

According to the study, an effective test and trace system depends on the coverage of testing and the timeliness of contact tracing. If 80% of cases and contacts are identified and there is immediate testing following the onset of symptoms and quarantine of contacts within 24 hours, the R number could potentially be reduced by up to 26%.