Lateral flow covid tests will no longer be free to order from April 1.
Following the announcement some people are trying to stock up to prevent having to pay for the rapid coronavirus tests in the near future. The government is trying to discourage stockpiling as they have added a firm reminder on to their ordering system.
People trying to order are discouraged to order packs when they try and access them online. The message states that the government "want to make sure tests are available for people who need them most."
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On the NHS rapid lateral flow webpage it states that "most people without COVID-19 symptoms do not need to get rapid tests." It added that you should only get rapid tests if; you're eligible for new COVID-19 treatments, you visit someone who is at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, you tested positive for COVID-19 and want to check if you're still infectious after 5 days.
If you select the no symptoms option when attempting to order tests, a message pops up discouraging you from continuing. The message reads: "Most tests are now needed for people at higher risk. In England, most people without COVID-19 symptoms no longer need to take rapid lateral flow tests. We want to make sure tests are available for people who need them most."
Officials have previously said that the number of free tests available each day will be capped to “manage demand” as the Government scales back free testing for people in England. A UKHSA spokesperson said: “As set out in the Living With Covid plan, from April 1 free tests will only be available for certain groups who are at most risk from the virus."
They added: "In preparation for this change, the gov.uk home ordering channel is asking users to only order test kits if you’re eligible for new Covid-19 treatments, work or volunteer in a high-risk setting or support people who are at higher risk from Covid-19. Tests should only be ordered after you have used up any kits you already have at home."
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