UK coronavirus LIVE: New test and trace programme rolled out across England

Researchers are hard at work trying to find new treatment for Covid-19: PA
Researchers are hard at work trying to find new treatment for Covid-19: PA

Matt Hancock has officially launched a new test and trace programme, with anyone who displays coronavirus symptoms asked to report themselves to officials, starting from 9am today.

The Health Secretary's announcement came after Boris Johnson was grilled by senior MPs over the Dominic Cummings furore, as he faces ongoing clamours to sack his most senior adviser.

The Prime Minister told the powerful Liaison Committee that it was time to "move on" from the row over Mr Cummings's apparent breach of lockdown rules, as he grapples with a growing Tory revolt and plummeting poll ratings. Craig Whittaker is among the Conservative ministers to demand that Mr Cummings leave his role, calling for him to "fall on his sword".

The fallout continues as the UK's official Covid-19 death toll leapt by 412 to 37,460 – nearly double the number of hospital fatalities announced on Tuesday.

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