Faster tests unveiled as global Covid-19 deaths pass one million

A researcher prepares reagents for testing samples for the coronavirus at the Kemri laboratory in Kisumu County on April 23, 2020. PHOTO | AFP

Photo credit: Brian Ongoro | AFP

Coronavirus tests that deliver results in 15-30 minutes are to be rolled out across the United States and in scores of poorer countries, as health authorities worldwide try to get a handle on a disease that has now killed more than a million people.

US President Donald Trump announced 150 million tests would be distributed in America, while the World Health Organization said 120 million more would be available for the developing world at $5 each as long as funding was secured.