England hosts two free rapid coronavirus tests each week

LONDON – Everyone in England will be able to receive two Covid tests for free every week as the UK government doubles its efforts to reopen the economy.

The results of the tests are given within about 30 minutes. People living in England can order the tests online or to collect locally, the government announced Monday. The scheme, which is due to start on Friday, comes as the country prepares to reopen shops and pubs in less than ten days. Most have been closed since late 2020.

“This is a very important step forward, another step that will help us bring life back to normal in this country,” British Health Secretary Edward Argar told Sky News on Monday.

England have been in shutdown mode since the end of December, but for a week people are allowed to gather outside in groups of up to six. There will still be at least three benchmark dates before all legal restrictions on social contact are removed, hopefully by the end of June.

The plan to fully reopen the economy will depend on the development of the pandemic, as well as on the country’s vaccination program.

To date, more than 31 million people in the UK have received their first dose. More than 5 million people have now received their second vaccine.

Premier Boris Johnson is due to speak British time on Monday at 17:00 and set out plans for international travel rules.

At present, the international trip is limited to 17 May. Reports indicate that the rainy season rules depend on a “traffic light system” when traveling abroad, which means that those traveling to countries on a “green” list do not need to isolate on their return to the UK

However, pre- and post-arrival tests are likely to remain in place, even if you are coming from a destination that is considered low risk.

The prime minister is also expected to name coronavirus passports – documents indicating whether someone has been vaccinated, recently tested negative for coronavirus or have natural immunity.