Coronavirus testing to be extended to all care home residents and staff, health minister confirms

Credit: PA

Testing for coronavirus will be extended to all care home residents and staff, the health minister has announced.

Previously only residents and staff in care homes with confirmed case of the virus were tested.

Vaughan Gething said from this week, homes who have not reported an outbreak or any cases of coronavirus will be able to use an online portal to order testing kits for their residents and staff.

He said it will be rolled out ''shortly.''

Credit: PA

The new policy is in an addition to the existing testing arrangements.

It comes following the same announcement made by the UK Government for care homes in England.

Speaking at the UK government's daily coronavirus briefing on Friday, Mr Hancock said there has been a "huge need to protect people in care homes".