LONDON, Nov 7: The whole of England has been put under a lockdown for a month from Thursday as cases began to spiral even as a second wave of the pandemic is sweeping Europe.

Britain has reported the maximum deaths from coronavirus in Europe, the tally crossing 48,000 dead.

Meanwhile, Liverpool on Friday began England's first city- wide trial of coronavirus testing to prevent hospitals becoming overwhelmed in the second wave.

All the 500,000 residents as well as people working there will be offered repeat tests, even if asymptomatic, under the pilot. It will run in the northwestern city for two weeks.

Testing sites have been set up across the city, in schools, universities, offices and care homes, with the help of around 2,000 military personnel.

Get a free NHS test to check if you have coronavirus

The Government has said anywhere in England one can have a free swab test to check if one has coronavirus (COVID-19) now provided at least one of the following applies: You have a high temperature; you have a new, continuous cough; you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed; you’ve been asked to by a local council; you’re taking part in a government pilot project. One may also need to get tested if due to have surgery or a procedure.

However, one cannot get a free NHS test unless has symptoms, has been asked to by local council live in England and has been told to by the hospital, or is taking part in a government pilot project.

This applies even if one lives with someone who has coronavirus; had close contact with someone who has coronavirus; has come to the UK from a high risk country; planning to leave the country; employer or school has asked to get a test.

The Government says: "One can pay for a private test. Do not use this service"

In England one needs to get the test done in the first 8 days of having symptoms. In Scotland and Wales, one needs to get the test done in the first 5 days of having symptoms.