UK PM Johnson promises COVID-19 test results within 24 hours by end of month

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during question period at the House of Commons in London, Britain June 3, 2020. UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor/Handout via REUTERS

The results of almost all tests for the coronavirus should be available within 24 hours by the end of this month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday.

Scientists have said the government's test and trace system, which Johnson said had already led to thousands of people following the guidance to isolate, will be most effective if people receive test results within 24 hours.

Asked by former health minister Jeremy Hunt what proportion of test results are available in that time frame, Johnson told parliament: "I can undertake to him now to get all tests turned around in 24 hours by the end of June, except for difficulties with postal tests."

FILE PHOTO: Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during filming of his address to the nation from No 10 Downing Street following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, May 10, 2020. Andrew Parsons/No 10 Downing Street/Handout via REUTERS

Currently 90% of test results are available within 48 hours, he added.

(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan and Elizabeth Piper; editing by Stephen Addison)