A new Covid-19 testing service which can provide rapid results for people without coronavirus symptoms is to be rolled out in select Boots stores across the UK.
The service is already available in ten stores in total, which are located in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow as a private pre-flight testing service for customers who require a test before travelling abroad.
The health and beauty brand headquartered in Nottingham is planning to launch the service this week before bringing it to 50 Boots stores in November.
From there, the potential is to extend to 200 stores in the coming months if demand is there.
The instore testing service will launch at £120 per test.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Boots has operated 50 drive through testing sites around the country, including one at the main Boots head office in Beeston.
To date, Boots staff have conducted more than one million Covid-19 tests nationwide first starting with NHS and keyworkers, and eventually anyone with symptoms.
The new testing facility is one of several new initiatives at Boots. The company said it iis evolving its pharmacy offer as it aims to future proof the pharmacy model and provide further support to the UK healthcare system.
Over the next few weeks, Boots will also be rolling out a new testing using the LumiraDx device which has the ability to provide a Covid-19 swab test result within just 12 minutes, specifically for those without symptoms.
Seb James, Managing Director of Boots said: “Boots has supported the government’s Covid-19 testing programme from the very start and offering this new in-store service is the next step in our efforts to fight against the pandemic.
"We hope that by offering this testing option in local community stores, Boots can help ease pressure on the NHS and the Government by providing additional access to testing and crucial reassurances for people across the UK.
"As part of the UK High Street for over 170 years, Boots is proud to serve on the front line alongside the NHS and we will continue to do our part to support the nation’s healthcare needs during this challenging time and beyond."
To obtain a Covid-19 test, patients can simply fill out a registration form and follow the instructions to book an appointment through the Boots online portal, available through boots.com.
Once in store, a testing-trained member of Boots expert team will facilitate the swab test, package the swab and send it to a laboratory to be tested, with results usually available within 48 hours. More information on this service is available on boots.com.
