Free PCR and possibly also lateral flow tests will be axed within weeks as part of Boris Johnson’s plan to live with Covid, though tests are likely to remain free for vulnerable people and within hospitals and high-risk settings. The Sun has the story.
Brits are currently told to get a highly-accurate PCR test after coming into contact with someone with Covid, but this advice is also set for the chop as the nation gets back to normal.
PCR tests which were previously needed for travel could cost more than £100 privately.
Free lateral flow kits could also be scrapped under money-saving plans reportedly being pushed by the Treasury.
Everyone would have to start paying for rapid self-tests except the oldest age groups, according to the Guardian.
People who catch the virus would also stop being told to take an LFT on days five and six to further reduce their use.
Ministers are poring over a menu of Covid options this week before making final calls.
The PM is desperate to end all Covid rules – including the legal duty to self isolate – by the end of the month.
Government insiders said PCR tests were hugely expensive and were less needed now cheaper lateral flow tests are widely available.
Advice for workers to take lateral flow tests regularly will also be scrapped.
And ministers may also scale down the Office for National Statistics Covid monitoring programme, which tests a sample of the population every week to find out how widespread it is.
Pity it appears some recommendations to test will remain, despite Omnicold plainly not warranting any special consideration as a contagious disease.
Worth reading in full.
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