The extent of Covid transmission and the shortage of test kits is becoming increasingly visible to more people as the omicron variant spreads.
And people who have struggled to order lateral flow tests for home delivery have realised that getting a QR code to pick up a kit from a local pharmacy doesn’t actually mean one is there waiting for you.
The issue was raised towards the end of the festive holiday and is continuing.
James Goss on Twitter said: “The LFT test ordering system is bonkers right now. It let me order some tests from a pharmacy, issued me with a QR code, which I proudly presented to a pharmacist who had none in stock nor any idea when she'd get any.”
Geoggy on Twitter said: “Back from the pharmacy I ordered lateral flow tests from. None left. So online ordering pretty pointless. Maybe I’ll get some posted. Oh, wait…..”
While Dr Mike said: “Got a code for lateral flow tests at Asda pharmacy.
Surely the code links to a box and a stock checklist?
“No.”
In response, one pharmacist Amanda Smith also spoke about the confusion: “We have had a few people coming in with a code expecting there to be a box of tests set aside for them. Why is the ordering system giving this impression to people when there is no link from the ordering system to the pharmacy?”
When ordering a test for collection on the Government's website, people are told: “Use your collect code to pick up your test packs.
“Show your collect code at a collection point to pick up your test packs.”
However, pharmacists are telling people that the code does not link to a specific pharmacy and to try other outlets if stocks are out.
There is availability for lateral flow test kits to be gone delivered, but it can be hit and miss.
We have approached the UKHSA for a comment.
