THE Government will need to provide coronavirus tests across more than a dozen care homes in Bracknell Forest, as it aims to fulfil its pledge to test all residents and staff with symptoms.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said testing was “key” in the battle against the disease, and that everyone who needed a test would have access to one.

With more than 15,000 care homes across England, the National Care Association warned there is “no room for complacency or excuses”.

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The latest figures from the Care Quality Commission, which regulates care homes in England, shows there were ​13 care homes registered with them in Bracknell Forest – among 2,920 across the South East.

The National Care Association, which represents care providers, said it welcomed the news after having faced “unprecedented situations” with little support so far.

The Government previously admitted that only 505 social care staff had been tested by Easter Monday (April 13).

Nadra Ahmed, executive chairman of the NCA, said: “The primary aim of care providers has always been to protect the people we care for and those who support them, our amazing workforce.

“Sadly, the lack of testing and the issues of access to personal protective equipment has made it challenging and exhausting for care services as the virus began to emerge.

“We now must be sure that the testing promised is readily and easily available for the residents and staff working in social care – there is no room for complacency or excuses.”

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Separate figures from the charity Skills for Care show care homes in Bracknell Forest alone employed 400 people in 2018-19.

The Government says it has already begun testing social care workers and will roll this out nationwide in the coming days as it continues to “ramp up” the testing programme.

Patients discharged from hospital will continue to return to their care homes, but will be tested before they do so.

Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: “Testing is key in our battle against coronavirus, and as part of our plan to prevent the spread and save lives we will ensure that everyone in social care who needs a test can have a test.”