Free coronavirus tests are to be scrapped next week, according to a new report. LBC says the Government is poised to cancel the programme of free PCR and lateral flow tests.
The Times also reported yesterday that lateral flow tests would cease to be free of charge, and that PCR tests would be scaled back. One option under consideration, the paper reported, was to keep PCR tests free for those deemed to be clinically vulnerable to Covid-19.
The Government has not confirmed either report. A Department of Health spokesperson told LBC yesterday: "We've previously set out that we’ll keep the provision of free testing under review as the Government’s response to Covid-19 changes.
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"No decisions have been made on the provision of free testing. Everyone can continue to get free tests and we are continuing to encourage people to use rapid tests when they need them."
Either way, the signs are pointing to at least a scaling back of Covid testing in the coming weeks. With that in mind, where's best to get hold of some tests in the Bristol area while you still can?
Where to get free lateral flow tests
For many, the easiest place to obtain lateral flow tests (LFTs) will be the government website. You can order them online and they'll usually arrive within three days, usually via Royal Mail.
One pack contains seven tests. You can order one pack per day.
You can also pick packs up from pharmacies and walk-in centres. The NHS Test and Trace website has a list of locations from which you can pick up LFTs or conduct them in-person.
There are 140 such locations in Bristol, so check the list in the link above for your closest. Some examples include the following:
- Boots, Broadmead
- Clifton Village Pharmacy, Clifton
- Asda Pharmacy, Bedminster
- Boots, Hartcliffe
- Easton Pharmacy, Easton
- Day Lewis Pharmacy, Southmead
- Tesco Pharmacy, Eastville
- Morrisons Pharmacy, Fishponds
Morrisons Pharmacy, Cribbs Causeway
Boots, Brislington
Boots, Shirehampton
To pick up LFTs from most pick-up points, you'll need a collect code, which you can obtain for free via the NHS website. You then hand over this code to the pharmacy staff in exchange for the tests. Some pick-up locations do not require a collect code - this is indicated on the NHS website.
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