From April people will have to pay to get tested for the virus, but many are already having difficulty accessing free tests. People who order free Covid tests online are asked to declare that they will not sell them for profit amid fears that a black market may emerge as the deadline approaches. See when free trials will finally disappear and how much they will cost in the future.
When will lateral flow tests cease to be free?
The government will stop providing universally free Covid-19 tests from April 1. Up to that point, both side streams and PCRs (for those eligible to order them) will continue to be provided free of charge by the NHS. However, when you try to order side streams online, you will now be asked if you have any symptoms. If you say no, a notification appears saying that most exams are now needed for people at higher risk, but you can still order them if you wish. The site says: “In England, most asymptomatic Covid-19 people no longer need to undergo a rapid lateral flow test. Some people still need tests to stay safe, such as NHS staff, people at higher risk and people visiting the high – risk places. “ Before ordering a test package, individuals are asked to tick a box stating: “I understand that these tests are not intended for resale.” A UKHSA spokesman said: “As set out in the Living with Covid project, free tests will be available from 1 April only on certain groups at higher risk for the virus. “In preparation for this change, the gov.uk home ordering channel asks users to order test kits only if you qualify for new Covid-19 treatments, if you work or volunteer in a high-risk environment or support people who are at a higher risk level than Covid-19. Trials should only be ordered after you have exhausted the kits you already have at home. “
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How can I order a free test?
You can also order free-flow tests for free from the Government website here or by calling 119 if you are unable to use this service. The lines are open daily from 7 am to 11 pm and are free. You are allowed to order a package (containing seven antigen tests) every 72 hours (this limit was previously valid within 24 hours) and must be delivered to your home within three days. If you need to do lateral flow tests urgently, it may be faster to pick them up in person from a collection point. These may include a pharmacy, your workplace, your school or university or community buildings such as libraries or Covid-19 test sites. You will be given a collection code when you place an order, and then you can find the nearest suitable pharmacy or local collection point using the postal code check here.
Who still gets free exams after April 1st?
Residents of care homes, hospital patients and other vulnerable groups will continue to receive free examinations if they have symptoms. However, the general population will not have access to both free-flow and PCR tests.
How much will the exams cost?
Initially, government sources reported that people taking a side-flow test to confirm their symptoms would have to pay between και 2 and 5 5 per person LFT, or about £ 20 for a pack of seven. Boots said it will offer the devices 2, 2.50 each or £ 12 for a pack of five or £ 17 for a pack of four with the added option of sending results to the UK Health Insurance Service (UKHSA). Lateral flow tests could end up costing caregivers 73 73 a month, said a leading UK charity. James White, head of public affairs and campaigns at the Alzheimer’s Company, said: “For the past two years, we have been hearing many tragic stories from families struggling to visit their loved ones in care. For many people with dementia, this isolation has led to a significant deterioration in their condition and mental health. “With infection rates rising once again, the government should provide free lateral flow tests for all nursing home visitors so that families are not in a painful position where they are forced to make diet visits, leaving people with dementia again isolated and alone. ”
