Britons can take a free corona rapid test twice a week from April 9. The British government announced this on Monday.
Residents will receive the tests delivered to their homes, or they can purchase them through their workplace or from local testing lanes. Tests are also conducted in schools.
Until now, people in Britain could only get a free quick test if they belong to a high-risk group or have to leave their home to go to work.
With the extensive testing program, the government hopes to detect outbreaks quickly and, for example, find infections in people who have no symptoms. According to the government, rapid tests have seen more than 120,000 infections that would otherwise not have been found.
The rapid tests, in combination with the vaccination program, should allow for the relaxation of measures.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will update the UK’s roadmap for corona measures on Monday and announce plans for the country’s reopening of the economy.
Johnson is expected to announce that non-essential stores and hairdressers will reopen on April 12. He is also likely to clarify the “corona passports” trial starting April 16. This means that people with a vaccination certificate or a recent negative result can attend sports matches or other events.