Mass testing will be rolled out to secondary school children in the worst-affected areas of London, Kent and Essex, Matt Hancock has said.
The health secretary said "by far" the fastest rise in coronavirus infection rates was among 11-18-year-olds.
He said all children in this age group should get tested, irrespective of whether they had symptoms.
"We need to do everything to stop the spread in school-age children now," Mr Hancock said.
More details would be set out on Friday, he added.
Speaking at a Downing Street press briefing, Mr Hancock said the government was "particularly concerned" about coronavirus cases in "London, Kent and Essex", which are rising and "in many areas already high".
He said the government must not wait until the next review of coronavirus measures, on 16 December but must "take targeted action immediately".
The mass testing plan will apply to all secondary school-age children in the seven worst-affected boroughs of London, plus parts of Essex that border London and parts of Kent.
"We know from experience that a sharp rise in case in younger people can lead to a rise among more vulnerable age groups later," Mr Hancock said.
London and Essex are currently in tier two - the second highest level - meaning there is no household mixing allowed anywhere indoors and the rule of six applies outdoors.
Kent is in tier 3, the highest level.
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2020-12-10 17:46:00Z
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