European Council President calls for common EU tests and tracing as new restrictions considered

Charles Michel has called for unity Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

European Council President Charles Michel has urged EU states to introduce common rules to test for Covid-19 and track its spread as a number of countries weigh up tougher coronavirus restrictions.

Mr Michel, who will chair an extraordinary summit of EU leaders on Thursday evening focused on the pandemic, also urged them to prepare for logistical challenges likely to plague the rollout of any vaccines, which he said could come by early next year.