Azerbaijan National Academy of Science

Suspected coronavirus patients could soon be diagnosed with the deadly infection within half a day – by wearing a face mask.

Scientists have started a trial of the pioneering £2 gadget, which tests have already proven can detect tuberculosis, a deadly lung infection.

The masks, which could cost pennies if manufactured on a wider scale, are fitted with strips that soak up droplets from the wearer's breath, which may be carrying traces of bacterial or viral infection.

The strips can be tested in labs with results coming back within hours. Current tests for coronavirus can take up to 48 hours. 

University of Leicester researchers believe it will be at least two months before they can test the masks on actual COVID-19 patients.

But they are hopeful it will work because it is a respiratory disease, meaning it infects the lungs and can is present in the air people breathe out. 

Nearly 83,000 people across the world have been struck down by COVID-19, with 19 confirmed cases in the UK including six since yesterday.

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