How testing targets evolved

March 12 Contact tracing and widespread community testing is abandoned. March 27 Sir Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive, announces testing for NHS frontline staff. March 29 Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, claims the Government has hit its initial target of 10,000 tests a day for the wider public. April 2 A goal of reaching 100,000 tests for coronavirus a day by the end of April is set by Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary. April 17 Testing is expanded to more frontline workers, including police, prison staff, fire and rescue workers and local authority staff working with vulnerable people. April 23 Millions of people become eligible for tests under an expansion of the programme for essential workers and their households, announced by Mr Hancock. May 1 Mr Hancock says the Government has hit its 100,000 target, calling it an “incredible achievement” with 122,347 tests in the 24 hours up to 9am on May 1. May 6 Boris Johnson says the next goal is to reach 200,000 tests a day by the end of May. May 31 Mr Hancock says the Government has reached its 200,000 tests per day target. July 3 Staff and residents in care homes for over-65s and those with dementia are to receive regular tests as part of a new social care testing strategy. Staff to be tested weekly, while residents are to receive a test every 28 days to prevent the spread of coronavirus in social care. Aug 3 Two new tests – both able to detect coronavirus in just 90 minutes – are to be made available to NHS hospitals, care homes and laboratories. Sept 16 Rationing plans for coronavirus tests in England are to prioritise NHS patients, staff, care homes and key workers – especially teachers – as the Government struggles to cope with a surge in demand.