All essential workers, including supermarket staff, will be able to book a coronavirus test for themselves online as the government looks to meet its testing target.

Speaking at the government’s daily press briefing this evening, health secretary Matt Hancock said that employers of essential workers could book tests on the government’s website, while staff would be able to book tests for themselves and their families.

Hancock made the announcement as he sought to reassure the public that the government was working to meet its self-imposed target of testing 100,000 people a day for the virus by the end of the month.

The health secretary said the tests would be covered by the NHS and results would be sent to people via text message.

He also said there are currently more than 30 testing sites across the UK, and Hancock promised that home test kits and mobile testing kits are being introduced as well.

Essential workers, which include the likes of frontline grocery staff, retail delivery drivers and employees working in distribution centres and warehouses, join NHS and care staff, emergency services and care home residents in being eligible for coronavirus tests.

Yesterday, Hancock said only 23,560 tests took place, but the health secretary maintained the government was “on track” to meet its 100,000-a-day test target.