These are all the groups eligible to apply for a coronavirus test

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that anyone over the age of five is now eligible to apply for a coronavirus test.

Everyone aged five and over in the UK with symptoms can now be tested for coronavirus.

Tests for coronavirus are also being rolled out to residents and staff in care homes, regardless of whether they have symptoms, as the government continues to ramp up its testing roll-out.

Some key workers and anyone in their household were already able to access testing if they were showing symptoms.

Those now eligible can apply for both a home testing kit or book for a test at one of more than 40 regional drive-through sites

Here is what you need to know about who is eligible for tests and where to access them.

Who is eligible for a test?

The Government has said that the priority will still be to test patients, but in England essential workers with symptoms of coronavirus and the people who live with essential workers and have symptoms were able to get tested from April 24.

From April 29, testing was made available to all frontline workers in health and social care, even if they are not displaying symptoms.

Testing has also been expanded to NHS patients and residents in care homes regardless of whether they have symptoms.

All other essential workers, and the people they live with, can get tested if they have symptoms, and now everyone aged five and over in the UK with symptoms can be tested.

People aged over 65 and their households can get tested if they are showing symptoms, as well as anyone who goes into work because they cannot work from home and their households if they have symptoms.

Mr Hancock said: "From construction workers to emergency plumbers, from research scientists to those in manufacturing, the expansion of access to testing will protect the most vulnerable and help keep people safe."

In Scotland health and social care workers; staff working in residential institutions and essential roles where service resilience is at risk should continue to access testing through NHS Scotland. The only exceptions to this are health and social care workers who are self employed – such as personal care assistants.

What are essential workers?

The Government has published a list of essential workers which includes all NHS and social care staff from doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers and carers to support staff and supply chain workers.

Workers such as teachers, firefighters, local and national government staff, supermarket staff, police and delivery drivers are just some of the other roles included on the list.

How do I apply for a test?

Essential workers can book for a test at one of more than 40 regional drive-through sites or request a home test kit at the government’s official testing portal.

However, the Government has stressed these kit numbers will initially be limited but "more will become available".

Essential workers who are self-isolating can also be registered and referred for coronavirus testing by their employer.

Testing is most effective within three days of symptoms - a high temperature or new continuous cough - developing, Government guidelines state.

When will I receive test results? 

Completed samples will be sent to a testing laboratory where they are analysed.

The Government said that it is aiming for tests from drive-through sites to be sent out by text within 48 hours and home testing kit results within 72 hours of collection.

People will be given advice on any next steps that need to be taken after receiving their results.