New NHS guidelines have outlined who should be taking Covid lateral flow tests.
It comes after the Government announced previously that the distribution of free test kits to the general public will end from April 1.
You usually do this test if you do not have symptoms of Covid-19. If you have any new symptoms of the virus, you need to take a PCR test.
Read more: Covid self-isolation rules and guidance to change again on April 1
Most people without symptoms of the virus do not need to get rapid tests. The new NHS guideless say you should only get rapid tests for the following reasons.
- you're eligible for new Covid-19 treatments
- you visit someone who is at a higher risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19
- you tested positive for Covid-19 and want to check if you're still infectious after 5 days
- you work, volunteer, or visit somewhere that's high risk
The places where people are at a high risk of getting seriously ill from the virus are hospitals, care homes, prisons, immigration removal centres and schools for students with special educational needs and disabilities.
You can still apply for free rapid tests although they are being phased out at the end of this month.
To order one go to the government website here. Or you can pick up tests from a pharmacy near you. Pharmacies may have limited stock, and tests may not be available at your preferred pharmacy. This service will end on March 31.
You may be able to get rapid tests from some community places, like libraries. Check with your local council if you're eligible to pick up rapid tests from a community collection point.
From April 1, some at risk groups will still be eligible for free symptomatic testing. The Department of Health and Social Care is expected to announce who this applies to soon.
It is thought this will include people over 80 or with compromised immune systems, as well as NHS and social care.
