Amazon to the fore as coronavirus home testing looms large

Thousands of 15-minute home tests for coronavirus will soon be available to Brits self-isolating with symptoms, according to Public Health England (PHE).

Professor Sharon Peacock, Director of Public Health England’s national infection service, told the Commons science and technology committee: "In the near future people will be able to order a test (from Amazon) so they can test themselves or go to Boots or somewhere similar to have their finger prick test done.”

The UK government has bought 3.5 million tests, and is ordering millions more. The test involves pricking the finger to produce a drop of blood, which is then analysed by the device. 

It will first be validated in Oxford to ensure it works as well as scientists hope. It will then be available to healthcare workers and also the general public.

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