LONDON (CU)_The British government plans to unveil a multi-billion-pound scheme inviting everyone in the country to take two free COVID tests per week. These fast-turnaround tests do not require lab analysis. Therefore, they can be used to at home and will produce results in just half an hour.
The campaign is in response to concerns raised by ministers over the possibility of the current easing of restrictions leading to a surge in infections, which could slow the further release from lockdown, or even send it into reverse.
According to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, this huge testing programme is part of an effort to ensure that the sacrifices made in recent months “are not wasted”.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also urged people to take part in the scheme saying: “The vaccine programme has been a shot in the arm for the whole country, but reclaiming our lost freedoms and getting back to normal hinges on us all getting tested regularly.”
The United Kingdom recorded 10 more virus-induced deaths on Sunday (4 April) for the second day in a row. Although this amounted to a 47 per cent drop in comparison to the previous Sunday, however, ministers have expressed cautious optimism over the improvements, as thousands of Britons were seen flocking parks and beaches to enjoy sunny weather over the Easter holiday weekend.
PM Johnson is expected to hold a press conference later today, during which he will share details of the next stage of the release from lockdown. Accordingly, shops, hairdressers and gyms will be allowed to reopen from next week, while restaurants, cafes and pubs will be permitted a limited reopening for outdoor customers.
The Prime Minister will also announce plans to set out a new traffic light system for future foreign travel. Under this system, foreign destinations will be rated as red, amber and green based on a range of categories such as the rate of infections and the percentage of population that has been vaccinated in the country.
Meanwhile, for the first time in three months, Scotland will reopen hairdressers and garden centres, although England is forced to wait another week for this.
