Rapid testing for coronavirus to be rolled out across Greater Manchester

Rapid testing for coronavirus is set to be rolled out across Greater Manchester, it has been confirmed this afternoon.

A pilot scheme has been taking place in Liverpool since Friday, offering half a million people who live and work in the city free tests – even if they do not have symptoms.

The pilot has involved a new form of testing which provides results in minutes.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has revealed that this type of rapid testing will now be spread out across other areas of the country – including Manchester.

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The full list of authorities has just been released. There are several areas in the North West which will receive rapid tests, including: all boroughs of Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City Region and parts of Lancashire.https://t.co/xAr0Lcs7TT

— ITV Granada Reports (@GranadaReports) November 10, 2020

66 authorities in England will be sent new lateral flow tests this week – including the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester.

These include:

• Bolton
• Bury
• Manchester
• Oldham
• Rochdale
• Salford
• Stockport
• Tameside
• Trafford
• Wigan

It is not yet known when mass testing could commence.

Mr Hancock said: “Last week we rolled out mass testing in Liverpool using new, rapid technology so we can detect this virus quicker than ever before, even in people who don’t have symptoms. Mass testing is a vital tool to help us control this virus and get life more normal.

“I am delighted to say 10,000 of these tests will now be sent out by NHS Test and Trace to over 50 directors of public health as part of our asymptomatic testing strategy. I want to thank all directors of public health for their support and efforts over the past months to help us tackle this virus, bring it under control and get the country back to what we love doing.”