Changes to Covid testing capacity in Scotland and throughout the UK are set to come into force next month.
From limited lateral flow tests for the general population to planned test site closures, coronavirus testing is set to be stripped back.
From April 18, Scots will no longer have access to LFTs with England bringing free Covid testing to an end as early as next week.
The change in rules means that the UK nations are again taking a different approach in their coronavirus next steps.
Here is everything you need to know about the rules changes coming in Scotland as well as the different measures impacting England and the rest of the UK.
Testing changes in Scotland
In Scotland, lateral flow testing will remain free under certain circumstances until the end of April.
However, the Scottish Government has set out some changes coming into force that mean the general public will no longer have access to free rapid testing.
From April 18:
- free LFTs will no longer be available to the general population
- free LFTs will continue to be available to those people still asked to test, such as health/care workers, patients, or those visiting vulnerable individuals in care homes or hospitals
Until April 30:
- people with Covid symptoms should self-isolate and get a PCR test
- vaccinated close contacts of positive cases should do daily LFTs for seven days
From May 1:
- people with Covid symptoms will no longer be required to take a need to test - whether it be a PCR or lateral flow
- physical test sites are set to close
- contract tracing set to end
Covid testing in England
England will end free lateral flow testing for most from April 1.
Only those who are aged over 75 and people over the age of 12 with weakened immune systems will be eligible for free LFTs.
The number of free NHS tests distributed throughout England has already been caped, with symptomatic people only able to order one pack of seven LFTs every three days - previous rules meant that one pack could be ordered each day.
Most people in England no longer need to take a test if they do not show any symptoms of Covid-19 with LFT tests now used for those who are at higher risk.
Further, from April, those with symptoms will no longer be able to take a PCR test for free.
There are some exceptions including testing for at risk groups - further details are set to be announced in due course.
Free testing will remain for those with symptoms who work in social care workers or for the NHS but these are likely to be funded separately.
Rules throughout the rest of the UK...
Wales
Wales plan to continue providing some free Covid-19 testing until the end of June.
However, there are some changes being made.
These include the fact that PCR tests will no longer be freely available with LFTs only available for people with coronavirus symptoms.
People should continue to isolate if they test positive with contact tracing set to continue.
After June, lateral flow testing will no longer be free with contract tracing and self-isolation support payments also ending.
Self isolation guidance is also set to be updated, advising those who are ill to stay at home.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, reviews of the the current testing system is still ongoing.
The country says that changes will not be made or planned until this review is complete.
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