The increasing spread of the Omicron variant has led to a higher demand for rapid Lateral Flow testing kits over the festive period.
Currently, government guidance enables people to cut isolation from 10 to seven days with two consecutive negative Lateral Flow test results in a 24 hour period.
With many people also deciding to test before seeing family members and friends over the holidays, the demand for the rapid home testing kits has risen, putting pressure on supplies.
READ MORE: 'Get boosted now' message hits Liverpool streets
People can order home testing kits from the Government website and also pick up kits at pharmacies and test centres, however supply shortages have meant that they are not always available.
The Government website outlines that “no home delivery slots left for rapid lateral flow tests right now”, while not all pharmacies across the region still have stock while they wait on deliveries.
With Boris Johnson confirming that no new Covid-19 restrictions will be brought in this year, many people’s New Year’s Eve plans a re reliant on the ability to test before heading out.
While many people are experiencing issues picking up kits from pharmacies and the government, there are still places you can get tested locally if you have no symptoms.
Government Website
The Government website is currently showing that no home delivery slots are available and kits cannot be sent out via post. This will be updated when the government has more supply information, but people are currently being directed to pharmacies and other collection points.
Local pharmacies
You can search for pharmacies which supply Lateral Flow Tests by clicking here. However, the supply shortage is affecting the levels that are currently available, meaning not all sites listed will have stock of rapid tests.
In some cases, before you collect any tests you will need to get a collection code from Gov.uk.
Liverpool test centres
If you have no symptoms, you can currently get a rapid test at:
Liverpool Convention Centre, central Liverpool
Liverpool Tennis Centre, Wavertree Sports Park.
You do not need a booking for either centre and both are open from 7am until 7pm this evening.
Home testing kits can be picked up from these testing sites if stock is available.
Rapid response vehicles in Liverpool
People with no symptoms can get tested at these mobile testing sites between 10am and 4pm:
Sefton Park
Liverpool Cathedral
Williamson Square, central Liverpool
These sites will change on December 30 to:
Everton Football Club
Liverpool Cathedral
Williamson Square, central Liverpool
Kits can be collected from these points depending on stock.
Sefton Test centres - These sites in Sefton will be open from 8am - 6pm
Bootle Town Hall (test centre opposite), 8am-6pm
Bootle Strand Shopping Centre (former H Samuel unit), 8am-6pm
Splash World, Southport (car park), 8am-6pm
Home testing kits can be picked up from these testing sites if stock is available.
Wirral Test Centres - These test centres will be open from 9am to 4pm, with last tests at 3.15pm
Old House Of Fraser Building, Birkenhead, open 9am - 4pm (last test at 3.15pm)
Cherry Tree Shopping Centre, open 9am - 4pm (last test at 3.15pm)
Home testing kits can be picked up from these testing sites if stock is available.
Depending on stock, kits can also be picked up from the central libraries in Bebington, Wallasey, West Kirby and Birkenhead
Europa, West Kirby and Guinea Gap Leisure Centres
Families using Seacombe, Bromborough and Brassey Street, Birkenhead Children's Centres can collect testing kits depending on stocks.
