Coronavirus tests will be offered to everyone across Liverpool in a pilot of mass testing in England. Anyone living or working in the city can be tested regularly from Friday, even if they have no symptoms, in an approach which Boris Johnson said "has the potential to be a powerful new weapon in our fight against Covid-19".
The provision of around half a million new, rapid turnaround tests is happening at the request of and in close collaboration with local leaders, the Department of Health and Social Care said.
The aim is to find asymptomatic cases in order to help prevent and reduce transmission in the community. Liverpool recorded 366.4 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people for the seven days to October 29.