A chain of chemists in the United Kingdom is set to introduce a fast coronavirus test in the coming weeks that it says can process results in 12 minutes.
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The Boots chain said on Monday that the test will be rolled out "over the next few weeks" and will mean customers can get results on the same day.
The private testing service is intended for people without symptoms who want to know whether they are infected before, for example, travelling to see relatives.
The 120-pounds ($A219) test would not, however, be sufficient to prove to airlines that a person is not infectious as airlines require a document from a registered laboratory.
Boots has already started rolling out an in-store testing service that takes 48 hours.
"We hope that by offering this testing option in local community stores, Boots can help ease pressure on the NHS and the government by providing additional access to testing and crucial reassurances for people across the UK," Boots boss Seb James said.
Experts have consistently criticised the UK government for not having enough coronavirus tests for the population of 67 million.
Britain has suffered the most COVID-19-related deaths of any country in Europe, at about 45,000.
The worst-hit areas of the country are the north of England, as well as parts of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Australian Associated Press
