NEW coronavirus testing will become available to those working on the frontline in the NHS.

The announcement was made by the Government this evening, Friday, to allow medical and healthcare staff to return to work if they test negative.

Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, spoke during the Daily Coronavirus Briefing, following news that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for the virus.

Mr Gove said the testing will be delivered by a new alliance between businesses, research institutions and universities.

He said: "This is a united national effort and the spirit of selflessness shown by so many is truly inspiring."

Antigen testing trials will start this weekend and will help health workers to see if they have had the virus, and may be safe from it.

The current rate of infection in the UK is doubling every three days.

NHS boss Simon Stevens, who joined Mr Gove, said the NHS is making an ‘extraordinary’ effort to tackle the virus.

He adds that hospitals around the country have been re-configured which will create a total of 33,000 extra beds for coronavirus patients.

As well as the new NHS Nightingale Hospital in London, makeshift hospitals will be also created at Birmingham’s NEC arena and Manchester’s G-Mex.