New rules from today mean foreign lorry drivers who are visiting the UK for more than two days will need to be tested for coronavirus.

It applies to drivers and crews of HGVs and drivers of vans and other light goods vehicles, as well as applying to both UK-based and non-UK hauliers.

Drivers will need to take a Covid-19 test within 48 hours of arrival and then one every 72 hours thereafter if they are still in the country.

The move, the government says, will make it easier to keep track of any future coronavirus variants.

Those who do not have proof of a negative test could face a fine of £2,000, the Department for Transport states.

The government's website says free testing for hauliers is available at haulier advice sites around the country.

The best situated one in Kent is at the Clacket Lane services, off the M25.

These changes, introduced today, come 24 hours after Boris Johnson announced pub gardens, shops, hairdressers and gyms will all be able to reopen next week.

The Prime Minister revealed during a Downing Street briefing yesterday the government will go ahead as planned with the next step of its roadmap out of lockdown.

This means that from April 12 non-essential retailers, indoor leisure facilities and hairdressers will be allowed to reopen, while restaurants and boozers will also be able to serve punters outside.

During his address to the nation, Mr Johnson stated that case numbers, hospitalisations and deaths have fallen to a low enough level for the country to press ahead with its planned unlocking.

The Tory leader said: "It's your collective efforts that have given us the crucial time and space to vaccinate more than 31 million people.

"The net result of your efforts and the vaccine rollout is that I can confirm from Monday, April 12, we will move to step two of our roadmap.

"Shops, gyms, zoos, public campsites, personal care services and beer gardens and outdoor hospitality will reopen.

"On Monday, I will be going to the pub myself and, cautiously but irreversibly, raising a pint to my lips."

Pubs and restaurants will have to continue to observe social distancing rules, with groups limited to a maximum of six per table.

Mr Johnson confirmed that vaccine passports will not be required to enter premises next Monday.

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