Two free coronavirus tests per week for citizens in England

The rapid tests are to be offered widely to everyone at local testing stations in addition to schools and workplaces in future, the British government announced on Monday.

Until now, freely available rapid tests were limited to particularly vulnerable groups.

The lateral flow tests - which can provide results in around 30 minutes - will be available from Friday, regardless of whether people have symptoms.

Testing was absolutely necessary in order not to jeopardize the success of the British vaccination campaign as the country started to relax the regulations, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.

"As we continue to make good progress on our vaccine programme and with our roadmap to cautiously easing restrictions under way, regular rapid testing is even more important to make sure those efforts are not wasted," Johnson said in a statement.

Work, schools

"That's why we're now rolling out free rapid tests to everyone across England - helping us to stop outbreaks in their tracks, so we can get back to seeing the people we love and doing the things we enjoy."

Companies with more than 10 employees can request rapid tests for their workers, and regular testing will also continue in schools.

Private individuals will also be able to get tested at local testing stations or order tests to their homes.

Later on Monday, Johnson is due to provide indications about further easing of lockdown measures in England and an outlook on vaccine status certifications that could allow people to attend larger gatherings from sports events to nightclubs.