Coronavirus home tests for key workers run out in two minutes before drive-through slots also fully book up

CORONAVIRUS home tests for key workers have already run out this morning - as 5,000 kits were snapped up in two minutes before drive-through slots were also fully booked up.

By 10am the government's website told hopefuls the applications for DIY kits were closed after a rush saw them run out just two hours after opening.

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It launched at 8am this morning but by 8.30am only drive-through testing options were available, before those slots quickly filled up too.

The government has struggled to meet the 100,000 daily tests hoped for by the end of April, with only 5,000 tests on offer for key workers and their households today.

Criticism has been levelled over a series of test shambles in the UK - as drive-through sites for NHS tests were pictured looking empty and some results were found to be inaccurate.

Frustrated people trying to get hold of tests complained the process was complicated and they couldn't find a category for their job role.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock claimed it was as easy as "booking a flight" but many got error messages as the website struggled to cope.

One person tweeted: "So frustrating, been trying to book my daughter Covid-19 test, as she key worker, its already closed. Craziness not simple at all, so stressful."

And another frustrated worker added: "I can’t book a test! I’m a key worker and I keep getting this message!!!!! @MattHancock why is this link not open? You said we could get tested from today!"

Mr Hancock announced last night testing would be expanded to millions of people so they can find out if they currently have Covid-19 - but only if they are showing symptoms.

Under radical new plans to get the country moving again, from today, seven million essential workers - including teachers, bankers or supermarket workers - were invited for testing.

For Brits without a car, home testing kits, including swabs and instructions, were made available to order online today.

Those who were first to get their hands on one will have them delivered by Amazon within the next 24 hours before being collected by the Royal Mail the next day - with results promises within 72 hours of collection.

As the UK tries to get itself going from lockdown stagnation Mr Hancock today declared businesses which re-opened after shut at the start of the crisis were "never required to close".

The Health Secretary welcomed the move by firms to get people back to work amid signs Brits are growing tired of the shutdown.

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He made clear the lockdown is still in place and social distancing needs to continue to protect the NHS, but said certain companies can re-open their doors as long as they work safely.

Large firms such as B&Q, house builders Taylor Wimpey and car makers Jaguar and Nissan have all started up again as fears grow over the damage the economy is facing over the lockdown.

At least 10 million people are thought to qualify for the tests now, No10 think, and thousands will be able to go back to work if theirs comes back negative.

Professor John Newton said that the Government's target to test 100,000 people a day by the end of the month was still on track, despite just 20,000 taking place yesterday.

There are now dozens of drive through testing sites available across the country, but workers have told how they have to drive hours to get there.

There are plans to set up around 50 testing centres like this in the coming weeks. Those who can't get there will be able to access mobile testing units, or get them sent to their doors.

The five ways key workers and their families can get a test are:

1. Testing in NHS hospitals
2. Regional test centres in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
3. Satellite centres
4. Be sent a home test kit
5. Mobile testing units which travel around the country.

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Mr Hancock earlier this week told the House of Commons that Britain has reached the peak of the coronavirus outbreak.

He said that ministers were trying to ramp up contact tracing so that all Brits could get access to them in future.

A NHS app is also being developed to try and monitor people who develop the virus, and tell them who they are likely to have come into contact with.