Free antibody tests will be made available on NHS

The UK government announced that free coronavirus antibody tests will be made available on the NHS after stricking a deal with pharmaceutical firm Roche.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock will set out further details later about a deal on the supply of the tests after negotiations were carried out.

The prime minister's official spokesman told reporters: "The tests will be free for people who need them, as you would expect. NHS and care workers will be prioritised for the tests."

England's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, last week promised the tests would be rolled out "rapidly".

The tests are made by Roche and had been approved by Public Health England on 14 May after scientists at its Porton Down facility found they had 100% accuracy.