The Welsh Government is asking people to take a lateral flow test before going out in an effort to tackle rising coronavirus rates.
It comes as the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford revealed that the country would remain at alert level zero - meaning all businesses can remain open and there are no restrictions on meeting people.
Despite worries over the impact of the Omicron variant on Covid rates, no major changes are being introduced.
However, the government has "strongly advised" people to take a lateral flow test before going out whether to a Christmas party, Christmas shopping, visiting friends or family, going to any crowded or busy place as well as before travelling.
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If your test is positive you are told not to go out, and instead arrange a PCR test and self-isolate.
With this in mind, WalesOnline has compiled a list of everything you need to know about Covid lateral flow tests - where to get them, how to report your results and how the test works.
When should I use a lateral flow test?
Rapid lateral flow tests (LFTS) are used by people when they do not have any coronavirus symptoms.
Their purpose is to find positive cases among the asymptomatic population and to stop the further spreading of the virus.
You should still get tested even if you have been vaccinated as there's still a chance you can contract the virus and infect others.
Lateral flow tests are available, free of charge to everyone in Wales. If you are 11 years old or older, you are encouraged to take tests twice a week (every three or four days) if you do not have any Covid-19 symptoms.
With the new rules, the Welsh Government has advised people to take lateral flow tests before going out to a Christmas party, Christmas shopping, visiting friends or family, spending time in crowded or enclosed spaces, and if you are travelling to other areas of Wales or the UK.
Where can I get a lateral flow test?
Anyone who does not have Covid-19 symptoms can get regular lateral flow tests to check for Covid-19.
The tests are free, and you can get them:
- By ordering online for home delivery. You can order one home testing kit that supplies seven tests a time. Delivery takes one to two days, and are available to order here.
- Collecting from pharmacies, including Boots, Superdrug and Well Pharmacy. An online checker has been launched so people can find their nearest pharmacy offering free rapid test kits.
- From a local collection point in some areas such as libraries or leisure centres, you can find your nearest collection point and opening times (on nhs.uk) here.
What about at nurseries, schools, colleges, universities, or workplaces?
If you attend or work at a nursery, school, or college, you can get rapid tests through them.
You're advised to do a test twice a week and report the results.
Primary school-age children and younger do not need to test.
Some universities and places of work also offer these rapid tests but it is worth checking directly with them.
How do the tests work?
Lateral flow is an established technology adapted to detect proteins that are present when a person has Covid-19. The best-known example of a lateral flow test is the home pregnancy test kit.
The test kit is a hand-held device with an absorbent pad at one end and a reading window at the other. Inside the device is a strip of test paper that changes colour if Covid-19 proteins are present.
Anyone taking the test needs to use a swab to take a sample from the back of the throat and from the nose.
Once the sample is taken the swab needs to be dipped into an extraction solution and then onto the lateral flow test's paper pad.
The results on the device can then be seen around 30 minutes after the sample is applied. There is no need to send the sample to a lab.
When should I report my Covid test results?
Whether it's positive, negative or void, it's important to report your test result as soon as possible.
In order to do this, you can report your results on gov.uk or by calling 119. By doing so, this means new outbreaks can be identified.
How accurate are lateral flow tests?
Lateral flow tests are validated technology, and are specific and sensitive enough to be deployed for mass testing, including for asymptomatic people.
However, lateral flow tests cannot detect very low levels of coronavirus in a sample. This means if you have only recently been infected, are in the incubation period, or if you have mostly recovered, the test may not give a positive result
Test sensitivity for lateral flow tests is also dependent on the person who does the test. Training and regular use helps to reduce this as people become more experienced in using lateral flow tests.
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