Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced anyone aged over five who has coronavirus symptoms is now eligible for testing.

He was speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon to update MPs on the Government's reponse to the Covid-19 outbreak, describing it as the 'most serious public health emergency in 100 years'.

He added: "We have flattened the curve and now the number of people in hospital with coronavirus is half what it was at the peak.

"We protected the NHS and number of patients in critical care is down by two-thirds.

"Mercifully, the number of deaths across all settings is falling."

Mr Hancock said the Government's objective was to slow the spread and protect the NHS, adding the 'plan is working'.

On testing, he said: "We are expanding eligibility for testing further than ever before."

He continued: "Today, I can announce to the house that everyone aged five and over is now eligible for a test. 

"That applies right across the UK in all four nations from now.

"Anyone with a new continuous cough, a high temperature or the loss or change of sense of taste or smell can book a test by visiting NHS.UK/coronavirus."