Matt Hancock’s Covid cavalry is not yet on the horizon. We need a global approach now

The UK has done well on building capacity. But only wide access to simple, effective tests will allow us to manage life under coronavirus

• Coronavirus - latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage

As the UK battles with the overwhelming demand for Covid-19 tests, the health secretary, Matt Hancock, said on Friday that the country needs to come together to keep the infection levels down while we await the cavalry on the horizon.

The cavalry, he said, would come in the shape of the science that will bring a vaccine, effective treatments and the ability to undertake mass testing. Detecting cases, tracking contacts and containing the spread of infection remains our strongest weapon.