Throughout the last two years, anyone wanting to pick up a box of lateral flow Covid tests has been able to do so easily, and for free, from pharmacies, supermarkets and specialist Covid stalls up and down the country. But after changes in regulations, most people are required to buy their Covid tests now, if they want to take them.
Lateral flow tests are currently being stocked at Lloyds Pharmacy, for £1.89 each or a pack of five for £9.29, Boots Pharmacy, for £2 each or £9.80 for a pack of five, Tesco, priced from £2, Superdrug, for £1.99 each or £9.79 for a pack of five, or Morrisons, for £1.75 per test, to name a few stockists.
However, some people can order packs of rapid lateral flow tests from the UK Government for free - and have them sent to their home address. For people living in Wales, to be eligible to order tests for free you must either: have symptoms of Covid; have been told by a doctor or specialist that you're eligible for new Covid treatments; be going to visit someone eligible for new Covid-19 treatments; have been asked by your GP or healthcare professional to take a test, or currently have Covid (and want to check if your test result is still positive after day five). For more stories about coronavirus in Wales, go to this page of our website.
Read more: The huge list of Covid symptoms people in Wales say they are experiencing
You can check if you're eligible, and order the tests, on the UK Government website here. If you are eligible, you can order a pack of seven tests every three days and you'll usually receive your test pack within three days of ordering, though delivery may take longer during busy periods or public holidays.
If you are not eligible for tests, you shouldn't call 999, NHS 111 or the Covid helpline 119 as you will not be able to get tests this way, the Government said. However, if you're worried about symptoms you're experiencing, you should contact 111 or speak to your GP, and in an emergency you should dial 999.
Where can you buy lateral flow tests in Wales
You can buy lateral flow tests at many independent pharmacies in Wales, as well as the following chains (in alphabetical order):
Boots
Boots the chemist is selling lateral flow tests for £2 each or £9.80 for a pack of five. You can find your nearest Boots here.
Lloyds Pharmacy
There are almost 100 Lloyds Pharmacy locations in Wales, including several in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, as well as at least one in Aberystwyth, Ammanford, Barry, Caerphilly, Cwmbran, Fishguard, Pembroke, Port Talbot, Porth and Pontypridd, to name a few locations. To find your nearest Lloyds Pharmacy, type in your postcode on their website here.
Lloyds Pharmacy is selling single lateral flow tests for £1.89, or you purchase a pack of five for £9.29 in-store or online. PCR tests are also available for a separate fee.
Morrisons
Morrisons supermarket is reportedly selling tests for £1.75 each. There are stores across Wales, you can find your nearest here.
Superdrug
Covid-19 tests are available in-store at Superdrug or online here. As well as fit to fly tests, Superdrug currently stocks the Healgen Antigen Rapid Test, a quick lateral flow test that has been "evaluated and validated by the MHRA". WalesOnline understands the tests are £1.99 each or £9.79 for a pack of five. Find your nearest Superdrug here
Tesco
Tesco supermarket is understood to be selling lateral flow tests in many of its stores. We understand they're priced from £2 each. Find your nearest Tesco here.
Well Pharmacy
Well Pharmacy offer ready-to-fly lateral flow tests. You can purchase a "chronomics rapid antigen lateral flow test" for £20 online here
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