Get tested twice a week to keep everyone safe, government tells public

Ministers hope regular testing combined with vaccines will result in more restrictions being lifted

Members of staff take part in a menu tasting at Gambas Tapas Bar in Wapping Wharf, Bristol, as they prepare to reopen for outdoor dining on 12 April when further lockdown restrictions are eased in England (Ben Birchall/PA)

The government has launched a campaign encouraging people in England to get tested for Covid-19 twice a week.

Lateral flow tests, which can provide results in around 30 minutes, will be available from Friday - regardless of whether people have symptoms.

The government will launch a public information campaign across TV, radio, newspapers, websites and social media to encourage people to get into the habit of using the tests twice a week.

Ministers hope regular testing combined with vaccines will result in more restrictions being lifted.

The 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."