While a vaccine may finally be on the horizon the government are still looking for a more short-term solution to dealing with COVID-19.

Today the government has announced a partnership between NHS Test and Trace and local authorities to start mass-testing in 67 areas.

The Department of Health and Social Care said it was sending 600,000 of the rapid tests to these areas.

How the rapid tests work

The test works using the following five steps:

1. Swab from nose or throat

1. Specimen added to extraction tube

1. Drops of extraction fluid then added to this tube

1. Wait 20-30 minutes

1. Read the results

This would be a significant improvement of the current 24 hour wait time that people face when getting a test.

Words from the Health Secretary

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said:

"Last week we rolled out mass testing in Liverpool using new, rapid technology so we can detect this virus quicker than ever before, even in people who don't have symptoms.

"Mass testing is a vital tool to help us control this virus and get life more normal.

"I am delighted to say 10,000 of these tests will now be sent out by NHS Test and Trace to over 50 directors of public health as part of our asymptomatic testing strategy.

"I want to thank all directors of public health for their support and efforts over the past months to help us tackle this virus, bring it under control and get the country back to what we love doing."

Where has mass testing been put in place

The entire of Richmond Upon Thames Borough is part of this new mass testing programme.

Indeed a number of boroughs in London has access to mass testing.

This includes neighbouring Kingston Upon Thames, Wandsworth and Lambeth.