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Free lateral flow tests to be scrapped from April
It is reported from April 1st that most people will now have to pay for the previous lateral flow tests.
Free Covid tests will still be available for some groups.
It is part of the government’s ‘living with covid’ plan.
Some free testing will continue during April in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The general public has been discouraged from stockpiling test packs.
The government says the end of free testing is because vaccines have performed well against Covid.
Testing can be ramped up again should it be needed, such as if a new variant of concern emerges, the government says.
Free testing will be provided for:
- Patients in hospital, where a PCR test is required for their care
- People who are eligible for community Covid drug treatments because they are at higher risk of getting seriously ill
- Care home residents
- People working in some high-risk settings, including care homes and prisons. These staff will be able to test regularly, without symptoms
From the BBC, Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “As we learn to live with Covid, we are focusing our testing provision on those at higher risk of serious outcomes from the virus, while encouraging people to keep following simple steps to help keep themselves and others safe.
“The pandemic is not over and how the virus will develop over time remains uncertain.
“Covid still poses a real risk to many of us, particularly with case rates and hospitalisations on the rise.
“That is why it is sensible to wear a mask in enclosed spaces, keep indoor spaces ventilated and stay away from others if you have any symptoms of a respiratory illness, including Covid.”
