The Omicron variant is continuing to sweep across the UK as coronavirus cases surge to record highs.
As Omicron cases continued to rise before Christmas, vaccination centres saw huge queues as people rushed to get their booster jabs.
Meanwhile, the government website has run out of both lateral flow test (LFT) kits and PCR booking slots around the country, with more and more people facing symptoms of the virus or coming into contact with positive cases.
The LFT tests are now unavailable on official websites in the UK, leaving people having to either make do with what they have or scramble to find other distributors.
The government has offered no additional guidance on sourcing a lateral flow test, other than the guidance that is currently on the website, which only states the places you 'might be able to' source one.
Double-vaccinated contacts of people who have tested positive for the Omicron variant are told to test every day for a week instead of isolate.
Where to get lateral flow test kits when the government website has run out
While the government website has currently run out of lateral flow testing kits, it states that you may be able to get tests from places like libraries, pharmacies and testing sites that are local to your home.
Begin by using NHS's dedicated postcode checker. This will inform users of nearby centres both to collect home tests or to get tested.
Alternatively, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said: "Everyone who needs a lateral flow test can collect test kits - either at their local pharmacy, some community sites and some schools and colleges."
The UKHSA added: "Due to exceptionally high demand, ordering lateral flow tests on gov.uk has been temporarily suspended to fulfil existing orders."
The UKHSA's message was somewhat confused by Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he recently said there was a "ready supply" of lateral flow tests available.
It also goes without saying that people should frequently check back on the government website for updates as more stock of lateral flow tests is sometimes added.
However, people should be warned that some pharmacies are having to turn people away 'every five minutes' as there is a lack of supplies.
Why has the government website run out lateral flow tests?
The availability of tests appears to have been put on hold while the government catches up with fulfilling pre-existing orders after "exceptionally high demand."
Speaking to Sky News, a Whitehall spokesperson said: "We have plenty of tests, people can continue to get them from pharmacies and other sites. We have seen a surge in demand and that is putting pressure on the delivery system rather than stock levels of home test kits."
However, Angela Rayner, the Labour deputy leader said: "The government's inability to procure properly and plan for civil contingencies is reckless. Boris Johnson has his priorities in the wrong place."
