Millions of tests that can detect if people have already had coronavirus will be rolled out within weeks. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described the antibody screening, which will give the NHS a vital boost, as a “game-changer” in the fight against the disease.
Public Health England is working to produce its own test but the Government is also evaluating versions from overseas. At present, PHE testing only identifies current Covid-19 infections – but the new antibody test will let people know if they have ever been infected, even if they never showed symptoms.
That will allow NHS staff who learn they have had the virus to work with patients knowing they should be immune and can also not transmit the infection.