More than 500,000 rapid COVID-19 tests will be sent to public health authorities this week as part of government plans to roll-out mass testing for the virus.

Some 50 councils will each receive 10,000 lateral flow tests to increase testing of priority and high-risk groups on a weekly basis.

Health and social care secretary, Matt Hancock, said: ‘Mass testing is a vital tool to help us control this virus and get life more normal.'

The Local Government Association said it welcomed the fact councils will have the flexibility and freedom to decide where and how they use these tests, but called for extra resources to handle positive cases.