England canceled free testing in early April 2022, and Scotland soon followed suit.
The move is part of Boris Johnson’s plan to live with Covid, which also saw the government repeal the legal requirement for self-isolation after a positive test.
Under the new rules, most people will have to pay for test kits, but some are still eligible to receive the tests for free.
Who is eligible for free testing?
People in England and Scotland can now receive free side streaming and PCR tests only if they meet certain criteria.
Sajid Javid, the Minister of Health, announced that free symptomatic testing would continue to be provided to people in England who met the following criteria:
- Patients in hospital for whom a test is required for clinical management or to support treatment pathways.
- People who qualify for Covid-19 because they are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19. People in this group will be contacted directly and side flow tests will be sent to keep them at home for use if they have symptoms, as well as how to rearrange the tests.
- Persons living or working in high-risk closed conditions, such as some NHS, social care and prisons (and other places of detention), where the infection must be identified quickly to minimize outbreaks.
The government has also kept a stockpile of side-flow kits in the event of a dangerous new option that requires mass testing to restart.
Mr Javid said: “Thanks to our plan to tackle Covid, we are leading the way in learning to live with the virus. We have made great progress, but we will retain the ability to respond to future threats, including potential options.
“Vaccines remain our best protection, and we are now offering spring boosters to the elderly, nursing homes and the most vulnerable – please go ahead to protect yourself, your family and your community.
Jenny Harris of the UK Health Security Agency added: “As we learn to live with Covid, we are focusing our testing provision on those at higher risk of serious virus outcomes, while encouraging people to keep following simple steps. to help keep others safe. “
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Where to buy official test kits for Covid
The government has an approved list of sidestream providers and PCR tests, which can be found here, along with contact information.
You can order tests online or get them from a local pharmacy, including chains like Boots and Superdrug.
If you use one of these approved providers, you will be able to report your result on the government website here.
You do not need to use an approved provider, but if you do not, you will not be able to register your result.
The government says tests not on its approved list may also not meet minimum standards.
How much do side flow tests in the UK cost?
Sidestream tests are significantly cheaper than PCR, but even the cost of sidestream flows can vary greatly depending on the retailer.
The boots sell side flow tests for £ 2.50 each or £ 17 for a pack of four.
Tesco has also announced that it will sell the pads for £ 2 each, making them among the most affordable on the market.
Elsewhere on the street, Healgen’s side-flow test costs £ 1.99 at Superdrug, which also sells five packages of Flowflex for £ 9.79.
At the leading test provider for Covid Randox, the price of test kits was reduced just before the policy change. Side-flow tests are now available from £ 2 per test, with packs of three costing £ 9 and packs of 10 costing £ 20 (flat fee applies).
At online retailer 0 Covid Clear, another government-registered provider, prices for a single side-flow test start at £ 14.99 and a single PCR test will return customers £ 69.
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