PEOPLE who have tested positive for coronavirus in East Lancashire are being recruited for a new study.

Scientists hope the project will help them better understand the virus’ varied effects on people and support the search for treatments.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh will work together with Genomics England and over 170 NHS hospitals, including East Lancashire Hospital Trust.

The study aims to sequence the genomes of 20,000 people who are severely ill with Covid-19 and so far 2,000 patients have been recruited to the study.

The data collected by ELHT and others will be compared to that from a further 15,000 patients who experienced only mild symptoms.

An ELHT spokesperson said: "This ground-breaking research may help explain why some patients with COVID-19 experience a mild infection, others require intensive care and why for some it is sadly fatal.

"By discovering why some people are predisposed to developing life-threatening symptoms, the initiative will enable novel insights into the virus, as well as possible human factors that influence the effects of the disease, and whether a combination of both shape outcomes for NHS patients."

Dr Matt Smith, acting consultant in critical care and principal investigator for this study, said: “I am extremely excited to be involved in this groundbreaking research.

"Covid-19 has not only transformed the way of life within hospitals but its impact has affected the whole of the world. To play a part in this study that will help inform the best way to treat and beat this disease is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I would like to thank anyone who has taken part in our research projects in the past. Their input really is making such a positive difference to the treatments and care we give.”

Chris Wigley, CEO of Genomics England said: “NHS Trusts are absolutely vital to the national

response to this terrible pandemic, so I am extremely glad that ELHT has joined our efforts to gain new insights into how this virus affects us. With their help, and with the support and understanding of thousands of patients and their families, we hope we will be able to build identify treatments which have the best chance of success in clinical trials, and build on the work of the 100,000 Genomes Project to develop strong infrastructure for the future.”