As the pandemic enters a new phase, Health Minister Sajid Javid said COVID would be treated like any other respiratory infection. Free lateral flow tests for asymptomatic people will be completed on Friday, but will remain for some groups, Javid said. These groups that will continue to have access to asymptomatic lateral flow tests are: • Staff treating NHS and NHS independent healthcare providers • Staff in hostels and adult social care services, such as nursing homes and home care • Small number of care home guests providing personal care • Staff in some prisons and detention facilities • Staff in high-risk domestic abuse shelters and homeless areas These groups will be provided with asymptomatic lateral flow control during an outbreak: • Schools with special needs and disability at home • Staff and occupants of the care home (also upon admission) The announced plans also revealed that free trials will continue for some people with COVID symptoms – these include: • Some patients in the hospital where PCR is required to care for and provide access to treatment and to support ongoing clinical follow-up for new variants • People who qualify for community-based treatment for COVID as they are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill – we will contact these people directly and send them a side-flow test at home for use if they have symptoms • People will be examined before being discharged from hospital in care homes, hostels, homeless shelters and shelters for domestic abuse The guidance from Friday says that people with symptoms of COVID or other respiratory infections should “try” to stay home and “avoid contact with other people” until they feel better and do not have a high temperature. This includes school students. Those who are positive for COVID should try to stay home for five days. Mr Javid said: “Thanks to our plan to tackle COVID, we are at the forefront of learning to live with the virus. “We have made tremendous progress, but we will retain the ability to respond to future threats, including possible variations. “Vaccines remain our best defense and we now offer spring breaks to the elderly, caregivers and the most vulnerable – please protect yourself, your family and your community.”
