The public will be able to conduct coronavirus antibody tests at home within a matter of days, rather than weeks and months, MPs have heard.

Professor Sharon Peacock, director of the National Infection Service, Public Health England (PHE) told the Science and Technology Committee that 3.5 million tests had been bought and would be available in the “near future”.

She said the tests would also allow key workers – like doctors and nurses – to go back to work if they have developed antibodies.

Prof Peacock explained a small number of tests would be tested in a laboratory before being distributed

It come as the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, has tested positive for coronavirus.

Prince Charles’s office told ITV's royal correspondent Chris Ship: "It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks.

"He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home."

He is the first senior member of the Royal family to test positive for the virus.

His wife, Camilla, meanwhile has tested negative.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson yielded to the mounting pressure to order a widespread lockdown in the UK after thousands of people ignored calls for 'social distancing' to slow the coronavirus pandemic.

His announcement on Monday night means all shops are now shut - apart from those selling food and pharmacies - in a bid to keep people at home to slow the spread of the virus.

Mr Johnson urged people to stay home and only leave the house for one of the following reasons: shopping for basic necessities; one form of exercise a day; a medical need; travelling to work if absolutely necessary.

There have been 335 deaths from coronavirus in the UK and 6,650 confirmed cases, although the true figure is likely to be much higher as widespread testing is not taking place.

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