Health secretary and West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock has pledged the government will offer coronavirus tests to every essential worker and their households.
Mr Hancock made the announcement as he warned the country will not lift lockdown measures until the risk of a second peak is alleviated – while stressing it is essential for Britain to return to her feet.
Under the government’s definition of “essential workers”, healthcare workers, carers, teachers and supermarket staff are among the many professions eligible for the tests.
Mr Hancock said: “From today, employers of essential workers will be able to go on gov.uk to get a test for any of their staff.
“From tomorrow, any essential workers who need a test will be able to book an appointment on gov.uk themselves, directly.
“This all applies for people in essential workers’ households too who need a test.
“It’s all part of getting Britain back on her feet.”
The news comes following the opening of a drive-through test centre at the park and ride car park in Copdock earlier this week.
Mr Hancock earlier pledged 100,000 Covid-19 tests to be conducted daily as of May, and has since claimed the government is ahead of schedule with the capability to carry out 51,000 tests a day.
“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.
“We’ve travelled too far to go backwards now.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here