Entire UK population could be tested for coronavirus in just a week under ambitious plan

TEN million daily Covid tests will be dished out to get Brits back to the footie, theatre and their mate’s house under new Government plans costing £100billion. The entire population of the UK could be tested in a week under Downing Street’s ambitious Operation Moonshot programme. Boris Johnson vowed to roll out new tests which […]

TEN million daily Covid tests will be dished out to get Brits back to the footie, theatre and their mate’s house under new Government plans costing £100billion.

The entire population of the UK could be tested in a week under Downing Street’s ambitious Operation Moonshot programme.

Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

Alamy

The entire population of the UK could be tested in a week[/caption]

Boris Johnson vowed to roll out new tests which can deliver results in just 15 minutes.

He said a negative result would give Brits a “freedom pass” — allowing people to mingle like they did before Covid.

He said: “Through that Moonshot of daily testing – everybody gets a rapid turn-around test in the morning, 15 minutes later you know whether you are infectious or not.”

He added: “Our plan will require a giant, collaborative effort from government, business, public health professionals, scientists, logistics experts and many, many more.

“Work is underway — and we will get on at pace until we get there, round the clock. We are hopeful this approach will be widespread by the spring.”

Ministers have drawn up plans to pump £100billion into the programme, according to a document leaked to the British Medical Journal.

Getty - Pool

The PM has vowed to roll out new tests which can deliver results in just 15 minutes[/caption]

Under the plan, Brits would swab themselves in the morning and be given a 24-hour pass to mingle without having to stick to social distancing rules.

A person could prove they had tested negative by either electronically presenting their result, or showing a printed card.

The tests will be trialled in the Covid hotspot of Salford from next month.

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk