Further Coronavirus Testing Units To Be Operational By This Weekend

Six mobile coronavirus testing units are expected to be in operation in the UK by the weekend.

Two are due to be added to the four already being used in locations including Salford, Teesside and the Isle of Wight.

The mobile library-style pop-up units, which were first rolled out this week, have been developed by the military and are designed so staff can test people who cannot drive or who are isolated, including care homes.

Although the military developed the units, personnel are not expected to operate them.

The roll out of the mobile units forms part of the Government's efforts to ensure 100,000 tests a day for COVID-19 take place, as well as expanding who is eligible to be tested.

Drive-in slots are being increased to 15,000 per day, while home testing kits have been released - the maximum of 5,000 were ordered within two minutes of going online this morning.

The drive-through areas will also be where samples from the mobile tests are taken to be analysed.

The number of tests carried out for coronavirus across Great Britain in the 24 hours leading up to 9am today was 23,560, which includes tests carried out across by the NHS, Public Health England, the Devolved Administrations industry and Porton Down.

In the case of the NHS, some people have been tested more than once, meaning the amount of people tested will be lower than 23,560.

Cover image: View towards Manchester city centre from Salford Quays (Picture: PA).