Covid cases are rising in every part of Wales and lateral flow tests are a key part of managing the risk to yourself and your family.
With so many changes to Covid rules, regulations and procedures it can be hard to know what the current guidance is so WalesOnline has put together this guide to ordering lateral flow tests in Wales. If you are over the age of 11 you should regularly take lateral flow tests (LFTs) and report your results. LFTs are available for everyone free of charge at present.
Since they came into regularly use LFT's have drastically changed how we can manage the pandemic. While not as reliable as a PCR test they can be done more quickly and help catch the virus before people inadvertently spread it.
Read more: You can see how much Covid has increased in every part of Wales here
How to get lateral flow tests??
You can get lateral flow tests by:
- collecting from a pharmacy or local collection point
- ordering online (gov.uk). You can order 1 home testing kit (7 tests) at a time for delivery within 1 to 2 days
- calling 119
School, college and nursery testing
- You can get LFT tests through your school, college and nursery (for staff) during term time
- You should test 3 times a week and report the results.
- Primary school-age children and younger do not need to regularly test.
Employee and university testing
- Some employers and universities offer lateral flow tests. Ask your employer or university if you can get LFTs from them.
When should I take a lateral flow test?
In addition to testing regularly, you should also take a LFT test:
- if you are going to be in higher risk situations, including spending time in crowded or enclosed spaces
- before you visit people who are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19
- you are travelling to other areas of Wales or the UK
- if you are identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive
How long will lateral flow tests be free?
The Welsh Government has announced their three step plan for living with coronavirus in the future ( you can read the full plan here ). This plan sets out how we are able to move back to normality as Covid-19 becomes endemic.
By the end of March/early April routine asymptomatic workplace testing will cease as well as access by the general public to LFTs for routine asymptomatic use will cease and routine asymptomatic testing in childcare and education settings, except special education settings and dedicated units, will cease at end of term. By the end of June lateral flow tests will no longer available for symptomatic testing.
