From this morning (24th April 2020) up to 10 million essential workers and their households can now book a Coronavirus test online or through employers.
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, announced the new testing arrangements at Thursday’s Downing Street coronavirus briefing, which will allow all essential workers to register for tests if they or a family member have any virus symptoms. There was also a commitment to recruit 18,000 people to trace contacts of those infected.
Mr Hancock described the process saying once details are entered online you will be sent a text or email inviting you to either book an appointment at a drive-through centre or to request a home testing kit, although the latter has a limited supply.
The test itself involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat. Most results will be given within 24 hours but for some it could take longer.
Mr Hancock stated that the current capacity for carrying out tests was now “ahead of our plans”. He continued:
“Because capacity has now increased so substantially, we are now able to expand who can get the tests,”
“Our ultimate goal is that everyone who could benefit from a test gets a test.”
Click Here to apply for a test