Government hits target of 100,000 coronavirus tests per day

The Government has confirmed that it has hit its target of 100,000 coronavirus tests per day during the latest Downing Street coronavirus briefing.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock was joined for the briefing by Prof Stephen Powis, Medical Director, NHS England and Prof John Newton, coordinator of the UK coronavirus testing programme.

Mr Hancock confirmed that Government had met its target to carry out 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of April and said that testing would help "unlock" the lockdown.

The Government had met its target to carry out 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of April after 122,347 tests were performed in the 24 hours up to 9am on Friday.

Speaking at the daily Downing Street press briefing, Mr Hancock said: "I knew that it was an audacious goal, but we needed an audacious goal, because testing is so important for getting Britain back on her feet.

"I can announce that we have met our goal. The number of tests yesterday, on the last day of April, was 122,347.

"This unprecedented expansion in British testing capability is an incredible achievement, but it is not my achievement, it is a national achievement."