There were no lateral flow tests available to order on the Government website on Tuesday morning - as new rules requiring daily testing for Covid contacts came into force.
Previously, those who were a confirmed contact of a person with the Omicron variant, in England, were asked to self isolate regardless of vaccination status. On Tuesday, this was replaced with daily lateral flow testing.
But as of 7.30am on Tuesday, those attempting to order tests to their home were hit with the message: “There are no rapid lateral flow tests available to order today for home delivery”.
The message also said that 111, 119 and 999 do not have access to more rapid lateral flow tests. The tests are still available to pick up at pharmacies and collection points.
It is the second day running that lateral flow tests have run out online, with the site temporarily suspended on Monday due to “exceptionally high demand”.
Under the rule change, unvaccinated adults are still required to self-isolate for ten days if they are a contact of someone with Covid-19, as are those who test positive.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted on Monday that there was a “ready supply” of the tests, and there were “ample supplies in the shops” for those having difficulty ordering online.
Announcing the change to self-isolation rules last week, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We are taking this proportionate and more practical measure to limit the impact on people’s day to day lives while helping to reduce the spread of Omicron.”
A series of votes are set to be held in Parliament on Tuesday on key parts of the Government’s ‘Plan B’ rules.
Most controversially, the Government aims to bring in Covid passes, where proof of vaccination or a negative test, will be required before entry to certain large scale events.
A significant group of Tory MPs have said they will oppose the measure - but it is expected to pass, as it is backed by the Opposition.
On Monday, it was also warned that Omicron could become the dominant variant in London “within 48 hours”.
At least one person has been confirmed to have died with the variant, while Sajid Javid on Monday estimated that up to 200,000 people could be getting the strain every day.
