The Government has announced that all key workers can book a coronavirus test online.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said in last night's press briefing that millions of key workers and people who live with them can get tested if they have any Covid-19 symptoms. According to the Government, testing is most effective within three days of the start of any symptoms.

New drive-through testing centres have opened across the UK as the Government aims to carry out 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month.

A testing centre for all key workers has opened at Watford Leisure Centre Central in Hempstead Road, and there is a testing centre for hospital workers and their households at Watford General Hospital. Another drive-through facility for NHS workers has also opened at Lee Valley Athletics Centre in Edmonton.

Borehamwood Times:

The coronavirus testing centre at Watford General Hospital

Who can book a test online and who qualifies as a key worker?

Essential workers with symptoms and people who live with these workers and have symptoms are eligible to book a test online. Key workers include:

  • All NHS and care staff, including: doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers and care workers
  • Producers and distributors of medicines, and medical and protective equipment
  • Essential public services staff, including: prisons, probation, courts and tribunals staff, judiciary, religious staff, charity workers and volunteers delivering frontline services, those responsible for managing the dead, and journalists and broadcasters covering news
  • Public safety and national security staff, including: police, Ministry of Defence staff, armed forces personnel and fire and rescue service staff
  • Transport workers and those working on transport systems
  • Education and childcare workers
  • Workers in food, drink and essential goods industries
  • Delivery service workers
  • Council staff and civil servants, including those working with vulnerable children and adults, domestic abuse, and the homeless
  • Utilities, communication and financial services staff

See the full list here

How do I book a test?

There are two ways to book a test.

You can book a test for yourself online here

But as of noon on Friday (April 24), the link says applications have closed and key workers are advised to check back later.

Once you are in the portal, you can choose to be tested at a drive-through centre or order a home test kit. Home test kits are limited, but the Government says more will become available in the future.

Read more: Government apologises as site stops taking coronavirus test bookings

You can ask your boss to refer you for a test

Employers of essential workers have access to a portal where they can refer their staff for tests.

If you have been referred this way, you will receive a test message with a code. Use that code to book a drive-through test online here.

You can book a test for yourself and up to three other adults you live with. You will be expected to arrive at the centre in the same car.

If you are an employer of essential workers, email portalservicedesk@dhsc.gov.uk with two email addresses that will be used to load employee's contact details.

Borehamwood Times:

The coronavirus test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat. Photo: Jacob King/PA Wire

What happens at a drive-through test centre?

After you have booked a test at a drive-through centre, you will receive a test centre pass by email and text. The pass contains a QR code and ID number.

On the day of the test, bring the test centre pass and a form of identification (driving license or passport).

At the testing centre, you will stay in your car.

The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat. You can choose to take your own swab sample or have a staff member do it from the window of your car.

Test results will be sent by text. The Government says most people will get their results within two days, but it could take up to five days.