Liverpool to become the first city in the UK to get mass coronavirus testing

Coronavirus tests will be offered to everyone across Liverpool in a pilot of mass testing in England.

Anyone living or working in the city can be tested regularly from Friday, even if they have no symptoms.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick says they're making it 'as accessible as possible.'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said this approach "has the potential to be a powerful new weapon in our fight against Covid-19".

The provision of around half a million new, rapid turnaround tests is happening at the request of local leaders, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.

The aim is to find asymptomatic cases in order to help prevent and reduce transmission in the community

Testing will be carried out in new and existing sites across the city, including in hospitals, care home settings, schools, universities, workplaces and using at-home kits.

The Prime Minister thanked local leaders for volunteering to be part of the first city-wide population testing pilot.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, whose brother died after contracting Covid-19 said:

"We are pleased that our numerous conversations have resulted in Liverpool becoming a pilot for mass testing, which will help to quickly identify people who have the virus and reduce transmission substantially."