ready lateral flow tests have been scrapped for the general public, while certain high-risk groups will still have access.
This follows the “Living with Covid” strategy announced by Boris Johnson in February, which ended compulsory self-isolation, travel restrictions – and since Friday 1 April free lateral flow testing for the majority of UK residents.
However, there has recently been a sharp increase in Covid cases across the UK to a new Omicron sub-variant called BA.5.
Experts have not yet discovered whether the mutant virus is more dangerous, but the BA.4 and BA.5 strains were identified on 6 May 2022 by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as variants of concern in the UK.
Current guidance advises those with Covid-19 symptoms to stay home and “avoid contact with other people” for a recommended five days.
The Health Secretary said: “Thanks to our plan to tackle Covid, we are the forerunner in learning to live with the virus.
“Vaccines remain our best defense and we now offer spring boosters to the elderly, nursing home residents and the most vulnerable – please come forward to protect yourself, your family and your community.”
Since Covid cases exceed 280.00, many people will wonder how they can get a lateral flow test. Find out everything you need to know below.
When did free Covid tests end?
Free lateral flow tests were provided to the general public until Friday, April 1st.
Ordering tests from the government website includes answering questions about whether you have symptoms.
If no answered, a message said tests are “most necessary” for those at greater risk.
When can free Covid tests for the wider population return?
Free testing can be reinstated if a dangerous new variant emerges, so the government saves lateral flow tests as a preventative measure.
Lateral flow tests will remain free in Wales until July 31, as health authorities estimate that one in 45 people has Covid.
Who can still get free lateral flow Covid tests?
Most people in England are currently unable to get a lateral flow test for free, although certain groups are still eligible.
The groups of people who could possibly get LFTs for free include the following:
- People who are eligible for Covid treatments
- People admitted to hospital
- People working in the NHS or adult social care
In addition, people can also get a free LFT if their GP or a health care professional has asked them to be tested.
There are currently no plans to reintroduce free Covid testing to the general public by the government, despite cases increasing and again near record highs.
How can I get a lateral flow test now?
People who are not eligible for lateral flow tests can buy it at pharmacies and certain retailers. It is possible to buy LFTs both online and in person.
What should I do after taking a lateral flow test?
If you have been eligible for a free lateral flow test by the government, you can report your result online.
However, if you paid for your test, you could not report your result through the government’s website.
If you test positive for Covid, the NHS recommends that you “try to stay home and avoid contact with other people for five days after the day you took the test.”
How much will lateral flow tests cost?
Lateral flow tests are much cheaper than PCRs.
High street options include Boots with a single test for £ 2.50, £ 12 for a pack of five or £ 17 for four with an option to send results to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Elsewhere, Superdrug Healgen sells for just £ 1.99. Both stores offer Flowflex multipacks for just under £ 10.
State-listed supplier Randox offers packs of three tests for £ 6 and packs of 10 tests for £ 17.