Coronavirus tests to determine who has already had the deadly bug could be available to millions in the UK 'within weeks,' an official says.
Appearing on the Andrew Marr show over the weekend, communities secretary Robert Jenrick said such tests are on the way.
Tests already being used in the UK can determine who currently has the virus.
But second type coming soon will tell whether someone has already had it, Mr Jenrick explained on the BBC show over the weekend.
"There is also a test emerging for those who individuals who have had the virus. This is an antibody test, and it will be a very simple one to use - it's very similar to taking a pregnancy test, for example.
"And for this one we are ordering millions of these tests."
Asked how long before the tests would be available, Mr Jenrick replied: "In the coming weeks. We expect them to be in the UK and for individuals to be able to use them."
Some 1.5 million of the country's most vulnerable people to receive a letter from NHS warning them to self-isolate.
The death toll in the UK reached 281 on Sunday afternoon, with 5,683 confirmed cases.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday warned Brits to follow social distancing rules to stay two metres away from each other, as crowds flocked to parks, beaches and holiday spots over a sunny Mother's Day weekend.
Health secretary Matt Hancock said today he hoped that the testing of medical staff would take place "as soon as possible" so that doctors, nurses and other NHS workers who may not have the virus but are self-isolating, can get back to work.
He told BBC Breakfast: "We are rapidly expanding testing. We have been buying testing kits over this weekend and all of last week to make sure we have as much as possible."
He said there is "a big demand" on testing because if you can test patients properly in hospitals "you can treat them better and save lives".
It means you can separate those people who have coronavirus from those who do not, but the tests are also needed for NHS staff and other key workers.
He said that hoped to say more about the expansion of tests in the next few days.
Mr Hancock also told BBC Breakfast: "In the last few days a new type of test has been invented so it doesn't have to go to the lab and can be done on site which is an improvement. We need the innovative resources of the nation working 24/7 to improve testing as well."
