Home-testing kits for coronavirus could be available for soon.
MPs on the Science and Technology Committee have been told 3.5 million tests have been bought and will be available in the "near future".
Professor Sharon Peacock, director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England (PHE), told the committee such kits will be distributed in days, not weeks and months.
They would allow key workers such as doctors and nurses to return to work if they have developed antibodies.
A quantity of kits need to be laboratory tested before being available via outlets such as Amazon and Boots, Plymouth Live reports.
Prof Peacock said: "Once we are assured that they do work, they will be rolled out into the community.
"Testing the test is a small matter, and I anticipate that it will be done by the end of this week.
"In the near future people will be able to order a test that they can test themselves, or go to Boots, or somewhere similar to have their finger prick test done."
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Bristol has risen to 41, an increase of four from Tuesday. (March 24)
Health officials are only testing the most severe cases so it's likely the real figures are a lot higher.
