Convenience store workers and other essential workers are going to be eligible for coronavirus testing, the government has announced.
Health secretary Matt Hancock said that employers of essential workers and their families will be able to get a coronavirus test for any of their staff who wants one.
“From tomorrow, any essential workers who need a test will be able to book an appointment on gov.uk themselves directly,” he added.
Essential workers will be able to enter their details on the new portal and will then receive a text or email the same day inviting them to either book an appointment at one of more than 30 drive-through testing sites across the country, or receive a home testing kit.
Test results from the drive-through sites will be sent out by text within 48-hours and within 72 hours of collection of the home delivery tests.
In response, the Association of Convenience Stores, tweeted: “It’s great news that more key workers, including convenience store colleagues, are going to be eligible for coronavirus testing. ACS is working closely with government, and we will be sharing details on the testing process shortly.”
