Coronavirus: Millions of key workers and their households can now book coronavirus tests online — here's how

Ministers say most people should get results within 24 hours

A nurse takes a sample at a COVID 19 testing centre in the car park of the Bowhouse Community Centre in Grangemouth as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus (PA)

Millions of key workers and their households will be available to book their own coronavirus tests online from Friday.

Anyone who is classified as a key worker, or is living with one, and showing symptoms is eligible for testing.

Those who work in essential jobs — a list of which can be found here — can register for a test on the government website here.

Applicants should then receive a text or email with an appointment at a drive-through centre.

Mr Hancock said results of the Covid-19 test for most people would be available within 24 hours, but for some it would take a little longer.

He said the government was also introducing home test kits that are then collected by a courier to prevent people having to travel long distances.

“They will start in small numbers but that service will grow, and I think that will be a popular service as it increasingly becomes available.”

Testing has been ramped up in a bid to meet the government’s 100,000 daily target by the end of next week.

Key workers can book coronavirus tests directly, while employers will also be able to book them on behalf of staff.