900,000 Covid tests ‘will be delivered every day’

Problems getting hold of tests continued for a third day yesterday. Some people trying to order online were told lateral flow tests were not available. Others were directed to sites several miles away when trying to book a walk-in PCR test.

The UK Health Security Agency and Royal Mail said home deliveries of both PCR and lateral flow tests would be ramped up by Saturday.

The number available at pharmacies and slots at PCR sites will also increase.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I’m delighted Royal Mail is expanding our distribution service. This will mean more than 900,000 PCR and LFD test kits can be delivered to homes every single day.”

Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: “We continue to prioritise test kits for delivery and collection daily.

“This includes the 35,000 priority postboxes and Sunday collections.”