Health secretary Matt Hancock announces coronavirus testing for anyone over five displaying symptoms

The announcement was made this afternoon (May 18) in Parliament by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Testing had previously been limited to people with symptoms who are key workers, hospital patients, care home residents, over-65s and those who need to leave home to work in England and Scotland.

Mr Hancock also confirmed that loss of taste or smell has now been added to the list of Covid-19 symptoms.

Previously listed symptoms included fever and a new persistent cough.

Anyone suffering loss of taste or smell, or a noticeable change, should now self-isolate for seven days to reduce the risk of spreading the infection, England's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said.

If the symptomatic person lives with others, they should stay at home for seven days, while all other household members should stay home for 14 days even if they do not have symptoms.

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