To stop the COVID-19 pandemic, LFTs or lateral flow tests and PCR tests were developed for early detection. The learning to live with the COVID strategy implemented by the UK government that offers free COVID-19 tests is nearing its end. This was announced by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to the people of the UK last February. It aims to encourage personal responsibility in dealing with the pandemic and one another.
Test kits can be purchased for free and picked up in the nearest pharmacies and community centres by people who don’t have the symptoms. However, symptomatic people can request a free polymerase chain reaction or PCR swab test kit. These test kits can be sent directly to the home of the requestor. Another option to use the free tests is booking an appointment at a drive-through or walk-in health facility.
When will free COVID tests stop being available?
However, in the earlier announcement by the Prime Minister, the end of the free tests will be scrapped from April 1, 2022. This shall apply to England residents except those with weakened immune systems and older adults aged 75 and above. As COVID-19 cases dwindle and hospital patients continue to lessen, it proves that the free testing scheme can be given a good wrap.
One reason for the slight but progressive halt in giving free tests is the high cost of providing these tests. Not only did the UK agree to this, but other countries like Germany and France are following this change. After the April 1 announcement, people are to purchase their test kits except for people under the category of at-risk groups.
But, despite the announcement, different UK governments still implement their system regarding free testing. Take Scotland ad Wales for example. Scotland’s government implements a more targeted approach. Their free testing is available until April, but starting the 1st of May, people without any COVID symptoms no longer need to be tested. This will eventually lead to the end of contract tracing and the closing of physical testing sites.
In Wales, free COVID-19 testing will only be until June. Beyond that month, PCR tests must be paid, but LFTs for symptomatic people will be available online. Any person who exhibits the symptoms are encouraged to do self-isolation. But unlike in Scotland, contract tracing will still be implemented.
But as far as the UK government is concerned, anyone with COVID-19 symptoms can order a box of lateral flow tests by logging into their NHS every three days. These kits can be picked-up through pharmacies, test centres, and vaccination hubs, given that they are registered at the official website of the UK for a collection code.
Individuals are to report their results online or through 911 after taking the LFTs. Reporting is a necessary response from those who requested the kits for the government to reduce infection rates, protect people at high risk of infection, and find out if your symptoms are highly infectious or not.
Although the free COVID-19 tests may be nearing their end, PCR tests and LFT kits are available online. Order only through reputable testing providers approved by the UK health agency. You can also book an appointment at a test site like Harley Medic International for a testing schedule.
Harley Medic International is an approved testing provider in many UK locations. This ensures you don’t miss the nearest testing centre, where health professionals can attend to you anytime. Check out this infographic by Harley Medic International to learn more about the free COVID-19 tests in England. You can also visit their website at harleymedic.co.uk for more information.
