Following the discovery that Islanders appear unable to order Lateral Flow Tests for delivery to the Isle of Wight, here are some other options on how to get your hands on the test kits before 1st April.
Islanders can order tests to collect from pharmacies by following this link. It’s possible there may be a shortage of kits available through pharmacies, so if you go to collect and there aren’t any there, it’s not the fault of those working there.
Kits being handed out
In addition, the Isle of Wight council’s Covid Officers will be handing out free boxes of Lateral Flow Tests today (Thursday) between 10am-3pm in St Thomas’s Square, Newport.
If you aren’t able to get to Newport today, they’ll be doing the same at Westridge Centre, Ryde next Thursday (31st March).
Why can’t we get free tests anymore?
The Financial Times are reporting that the change in guidance for those trying to order tests in England has been put in place in order to discourage competition with at-risk groups for limited supplies.
The guidance from the Government is now that unless you have symptoms, you no longer need to test regularly.
A UK Health Security Agency spokesperson said,
“As set out in the Living with Covid plan, from 1st April free tests will only be available for certain groups who are at most risk from the virus.
“In preparation for this change, the gov.uk home ordering channel is asking users to only order test kits if you’re eligible for new Covid-19 treatments, work or volunteer in a high risk setting or support people who are at higher risk from Covid-19.
“Tests should only be ordered after you have used up any kits you already have at home.”
Image: Annie Spratt under CC BY 2.0
