Everyone in England will be able to get a free rapid Covid-19 test from today, as part of a new Government scheme.
The Government's next key strategy involves regular rapid virus testing for those without symptoms.
The expansion of the testing programme, to include everyone in England, follows the pilot test first carried out in Liverpool last year.
Labour said they support the idea of regular testing for everyone - but said it must be backed up by financial support to ensure people can isolate when they are found to have the virus.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Around one in three people have coronavirus without any symptoms, so getting tested regularly is one of the simplest and easiest ways we can keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
"I’d encourage everyone to take up the offer and test twice a week.
“Alongside the successful rollout of the vaccination programme, rapid testing will be one of our most effective weapons in tackling this virus and ensuring we can cautiously reopen our economy and parts of society that we have all missed.
"The British people have made a tremendous effort throughout the pandemic and I am confident they will do the same now by taking up this offer of free, rapid tests."
How can I order a free test for me and my family?
- Rapid tests can be delivered through a home ordering service, which allows people to order lateral flow tests online to be delivered to their home by visiting, to do so, visit nhs.uk/get-tested.
- Tests can also be delivered through workplace testing programmes, on-site or at home community testing.
- Community testing will be offered by all local authorities
- Tests can be collected at a local PCR test site during specific test collection time windows
- Testing will also be done on-site at schools and colleges.
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If testing at home, individuals will need to register their results online or by calling 119.
They should self-isolate if they get a positive result and order a confirmatory PCR test.
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms should still book a PCR test online or by calling 119.
Also, from April 12 people who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will be able to get a PCR test during their 10-day self-isolation period, whether or not they have symptoms.
