Details of the new test regime, released in a written ministerial statement on Tuesday, reveal that from 1 April, free symptomatic examinations will only be available to hospital patients when required for their care and to people living or working in “high risk “. environments “, such as nursing homes and prisons. Symptomatic tests will also continue to be provided to those already eligible for Covid-19 treatments in the community because they are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill if they become infected with the virus. Free asymptomatic testing will only be provided to people in particularly high-risk environments, such as home care staff and NHS patient care staff, and only when the prevalence is high and there is a risk that the infection will spread quickly. The shift is part of the UK government’s plan to “live with Covid”, which says it is time to tackle the virus like we do other infectious diseases such as the flu. This means that free trials for Covid should be for those at risk. However, scientists have warned that reducing access to free-flow tests and PCR could endanger vulnerable individuals and undermine efforts to understand the virus. Announcing the change, the government noted that more than 55% of those currently hospitalized who tested positive were not there with Covid as their primary diagnosis, although experts say current infection rates continue to cause problems. , such as staff absences and service delays. Charities have also raised concerns about the move, with the Alzheimer’s Company warning that caregivers may have to pay around 73 73 a month – an amount he described as a “tough treatment tax”. Matthew Taylor, CEO of the NHS Confederation, welcomed the announcement. “Health leaders will be relieved that the government made sense and confirmed at 11 a.m. that NHS staff in patient-facing roles will continue to have access to free Covid-19 testing. “This is a victory for common sense,” he said. “As coronavirus and hospital admission rates continue to be high and one in 16 people in England are believed to have the virus at the moment, removing this access from those caring for some of the most vulnerable in our society will it was a huge mistake. Christina Pagel, professor of business research at University College London, said: “The government commends the public for their understanding of how Covid’s risk is managed, but knowledge is only useful if you can do something about it. “With the ever-worsening cost of living crisis, millions will not be able to afford to test themselves if they have symptoms or before visiting vulnerable people. With one of the lowest sick pay rates in Europe, millions will not be able to follow government advice to stay home if they get sick. “With record infections and increasing hospital admissions, this is not the time to end free access to one of the most fundamental public health tools.” Lateral flow tests are already available for purchase on the main road, with Boots announcing in February that it will sell the devices at £ 2.50 for one or £ 12 for a pack of five. Those wishing to have the option of submitting their results to the UK Health Insurance Agency (UKHSA) can pay 17 17 for a package of four tests. Rowland Cao, a professor of veterinary epidemiology and data science at the University of Edinburgh, said it was unfortunate that free trials would not remain for those wishing to visit close elderly relatives in care homes. “As we know, loneliness is a real problem for many seniors and obstacles to regular visits, such as the cost of exams, must be avoided,” he said. The government said asymptomatic trials would remain available to “a small number of care home visitors providing personal care”. The announcement comes at a time when Covid infections are on the rise again. According to the latest figures from the National Statistics Office (ONS), infection levels are high in Scotland and about one in 16 people in England had Covid in the week ended March 19, compared with one in 20 last week. increase from about 2,653,200 to 3,485,700 people. The number of Covid patients in hospitals is also rising, with some NHS trusts suspending visits as a result. The Minister of Foreign Affairs for Health and Social Welfare, Sajid Javid, stated: “Thanks to our plan to tackle Covid, we are taking the lead in 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.” The government also announced that free parking for NHS staff working in hospitals in England would end on Friday. Parking fees were abolished during the pandemic, but Javid said the benefit would expire this week.
