Test kits delivered in Surrey as schools reopen

Secondary schools across the UK began to receive supplies of rapid lateral flow coronavirus tests on Monday as the government ramped up plans to ensure weekly testing for students and staff.

In a bid to keep as many schools open as possible, from January, all staff in secondary schools and colleges can have a rapid test once a week, and students will be tested daily for seven days if they come in contact with someone who has tested positive.

The aim is to avoid entire so-called class 'bubbles' having to isolate at home if a student of member of staff tests positive.

Secondary schools are closed this week except for vulnerable and key workers' children.

But most primary schools have reopened.

Unions representing teachers have called for all schools to turn to remote learning for at least a couple of weeks more due to the new variant, which scientists have said is up to 70% more contagious.

The UK is reeling from a new coronavirus variant that has pushed infection rates to their highest recorded levels.

On Saturday, it notched a daily record of 57,725 new cases. The country has seen nearly 75,000 virus-related deaths.

In some parts of the British capital and its surrounding areas, there are around 1,000 cases per 100,000 people.