Faster lateral flow tests to be distributed to over 50 councils in England

An initial 600,000 batch of the faster lateral flow tests for COVID-19 is to be sent to over 50 directors of public health across England so they can prioritise allocation, based on the specific needs of their communities. Each will receive a batch of 10,000 antigen lateral flow devices as part of a new pilot to enable them to start testing priority groups.

The initial allocation will be followed by a weekly allocation of lateral flow antigen tests to upper tier councils equivalent to 10% of their local population.

The new testing technology is being used as part of asymptomatic, whole-city testing in Liverpool. The Government is also to offer these tests to devolved nations.

Government press release which includes the list of councils in England.