UK PM says new coronavirus tests on the way

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Friday that new quick result saliva tests for COVID-19 will start to be distributed and trialled across the country over the next few weeks.

Speaking at a news conference, Johnson said the new tests would allow for more frequent testing of NHS and care home staff.

Johnson added that students in universities where outbreaks were occurring and schoolchildren would also be tested.

The Prime Minister also used the news conference to urge the mayor of Greater Manchester to agree to move the area into the highest COVID alert level saying the situation there was grave.

Mayor Andy Bunham has been holding out for more money to implement the measures targeted at areas with the highest infection rates.

Lancashire on Friday agreed to move into England’s most severe level of COVID-19 restrictions after striking a deal with the U.K. government on funds to implement the measures.