Boris Johnson says UK will ramp up testing in update from isolation

In a video message from self-isolation in Downing Street, PM Boris Johnson – looking decidedly stronger – said the UK will ramp up testing.”

He said Wednesday had been a “sad, sad day” after the UK’s coronavirus death toll spiked by 563, the highest rise in 24 hours so far.

He said “if we can comply with the measures that we’ve embarked on together – then I have absolutely no doubt that we will begin to push those numbers down”.

The PM said the government has provided NHS staff with 397 million pieces of personal protective equipment over the last fortnight, but pointed out “ramped up testing” is the key to “unlocking the coronavirus puzzle.”

Two types of tests will be rolled out – one to see if someone has been infected in the past, the other to determine if someone currently has the disease.

He reiterated the message to “stay at home, protecting our NHS and saving lives.”

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Lizzie Day

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