The UK has run out of Covid-19 lateral flow tests just hours after the country eased almost all legal restrictions on the nation's so-called 'Freedom Day'.
Britons attempting to order free supplies of the at-home kits through the government website today were told that 'no more tests can be ordered' and they should instead 'come back tomorrow'.
It comes just days after one of the Government's top health officials told MPs that the free asymptomatic Covid testing could be scrapped by the end of August, meaning Britons could be forced to pay for their own kits.
Earlier today a message on the government site read: 'Sorry no more tests can be ordered today.
Luckily for me (and my mum and brother), I did get a bit of a 'heads up' re possible shortage and / or charging for LFD tests -actually from you I think 2greys ??
I had just one test left, but picked up another box of 7 tests last week - not hoarding, just need them...
With my mum recently admitted to a residential care home, (due to deterioration in dementia), and my younger brother already in a neuro-rehab residential facility (long term, after an acquired head injury) I HAVE to do an LFD tests at least once/twice a week before going to visit them. Not a problem, am more than happy to do them, but really they have to be readily available and free!
These tests are required to enable staff and visitors to go to work or visit loved ones.....we HAVE to do the test to protect vulnerable people in hospital, care homes, in their own homes, education setting etc etc.....
Yet another example (and there are sadly so very many) that the Government just don't think things through, and can't seem to see likely consequences, when almost everyone else can!!
Yes that was me that gave the heads up. Get in touch with your mother's residential care home and explain your problem. My partner works as a carer at a residential nursing home and they have the facility provide and to carry out the LFT test in a portable cabin before visitors can enter the home. Perhaps her home can do the same.
Thanks 2greys - I am in constant contact with both my mum's and my brother's care homes...they are both brilliant. It was, in fact, my mum's care home who gave me the last batch of tests . They are unsure though if they will continue to be supplied free of charge or have to start paying. My local pharmacy didn't have any left the other day!
Because I often pick my brother up first (negative test required for him to get in my car) then take him to visit my mum (negative test from both us to see her), we have a system that I test at home and my brother's place test him at home in the morning, send result to me then I have proof of both negative tests on my phone when we go to visit mum, seems to work fine at the moment 😷....Certainly much better than a few months ago doing 'window visits' and outdoor walks in the pouring rain and freezing cold!!
Also, am sure all these 'pilot test events': Euros, Wimbledon, Cricket, Goodwood & Cheltenham, British Grand Prix, - all requiring negative tests prior to entry, have definitely depleted supplies??
I got a box today from Boots pharmacy. Must have just been lucky. Have you tried there 2greys or are you just raising awareness for everyone. Thanks for the heads up.
I got 2 from a local chemist yesterday my first time as someone at my yoga class tested positive but it was negative thanks goodness but she didn’t mention a shortage.
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