Fenland COVID19
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Remote population surveillance for COVID-19 in the Fenland cohort
IRAS ID
282535
Contact name
Nick Wareham
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Cambridge
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN72077169
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 9 days
Research summary
The rapid spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused an unprecedented public health emergency. As the UK lockdown is eased, it is important to know how many people have previously had the infection and find new ways to rapidly identifying people who become infected in the next few months.
We propose to set up a remote surveillance study of Fenland Study participants. We will approach all participants who are known to be living and have agreed to further contact. They will be invited, either by email, telephone or SMS to participate in the 6-month study, with a potential extension to 12 months dependent on the progression of the outbreak.
The two main aims of this project are (1) to measure how many people have evidence in their blood of previous COVID-19 infection and then to repeat during the study to see how the infection rate changes; (2) to investigate whether it is possible to identify the infection early before symptoms appear using measurements participants can make at home, together with participant responses to questions.
All participants will be asked to provide blood samples for the antibody tests to determine the proportion of people who have been infected. They will also complete questionnaires on a web-based portal about their diet and physical activity. Those participants with an appropriate smartphone, will be asked to take part in further measurements completed on an App. These will include regular measurements of body temperature, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, cough recording and resting heart rate and questions on symptoms, changes in diet and physical activity behaviour, mental health and well-being. Those not completing the App will complete a short web-based questionnaire about symptoms monthly.
These questionnaires will give more information on the wider impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on health-related behaviours and mental health.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SW/0100
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion