People could be given rapid coronavirus tests in a bid to help reopen nightclubs and theatres - industries that have been hit hard by the pandemic.
This has been suggested by Prime Minister Boris Johnson who believes that using lateral flow tests could be the "route forward" for reopening businesses that have been "the toughest nuts to crack".
These tests are likely to consist of a nose and throat swab being taken at the venue itself, which is then tested at the scene with results appearing in as little as thirty minutes.
Workplaces across the country are currently piloting these rapid tests, including the John Lewis Warehouse in Milton Keynes.
Rapid testing before a night out could potentially become common practice, just like having your ID checked whilst in the queue for Pink Punters.
Nightclubs have been shut ever since coronavirus restrictions were first introduced in the UK last March, while Milton Keynes Theatre reopened in December for a socially distanced pantomime only to close again just weeks later.
Speaking at a Downing Street news conference on Monday (15/2), Boris Johnson suggested the use of testing is a likelier means of allowing businesses to reopen when compared to "vaccine passports".
He said: "For the purposes of this country and doing things within the domestic UK economy, we will look at everything.
"But what we are thinking of at the moment is more of a route that relies on mass vaccination - we intend to vaccinate all of the adults in the country by the autumn - plus lateral flow testing, rapid testing for those bits that have been the toughest nuts to crack.
"Such as nightclubs or theatres - those parts of the economy we couldn't get open last year.
"I think that will be the route that we go down and that businesses will go down. You are already seeing lots of business using the potential of rapid, on-the-day testing as well.
"I think that, in combination with vaccination, will probably be the route forward."
Next week, Boris Johnson will reveal the much-anticipated roadmap for lifting lockdown restrictions.
The Prime Minister has warned it is "still early days" with regards to the potential of soon easing measures, and he added that "there are lots of discussions still to be had".
