Lateral flow tests run out AGAIN: Government website is unable to send out rapid tests
Lateral flow tests run out AGAIN: Government website is unable to send out rapid tests and tells people to go to a pharmacy instead
Lateral flow tests unavailable for a second day running, the Government statedThis is at least the sixth time lateral flow tests have been unavailable for deliveryThe Government has meanwhile urged people to pick up tests from pharmacies It comes as Britons check to ensure they are Covid-free ahead of New Year’s Eve
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Lateral flow tests are unavailable for home delivery for a second day running as nervous Britons wait to see if they are Covid-free ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Yesterday, it was announced that it was not possible to order lateral flow testing kits for home delivery on the Government website, with the UK Health Security Agency citing ‘unprecedented demand’ for the shortage.
Today, the same message appeared stating: ‘Sorry, there are no home delivery slots left for rapid lateral flow tests right now.
‘You may still be able to pick up rapid lateral flow tests from a pharmacy or collection point, where these are available. Only pick up tests if you do not have symptoms.’
Today, the same message has appeared as yesterday, stating : ‘Sorry, there are no home delivery slots left for rapid lateral flow tests right now’
Britons can pick up lateral flow tests for free from a pharmacy listed on the NHS website
Appointments for PCR tests are now available after shortages in England yesterday as the UK Health Security Agency insisted the reduced availability was merely ‘temporary’.
A UKHSA spokesperson said: ‘Testing is playing an integral role in keeping people safe and managing the spread of Covid-19.
‘We are very grateful to everyone who is following the Government’s guidance and getting tested to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.
‘Everyone with symptoms or who is directed to get a PCR test should continue to come forward to get a test delivered to their home or at a test site.’
People had been encouraged to pick up tests from their local pharmacies as the message reminds people that they cannot order tests from NHS 111 or 999 numbers.
The government website also suggested: ‘If you have tests at home, including ones that children have brought home from school, you can use these instead.’
It also said that the 119 service ‘does not have access to more home delivery slots right now’.
A UKHSA spokesperson said: ‘Despite unprecedented demand, we are continuing to supply millions of rapid lateral flow tests every day.
‘Our total delivery capacity has doubled to 900,000 test kits per day since Saturday 18 December so more people can order tests.
‘During periods of exceptional demand there may be temporary pauses in ordering or receiving tests, to ensure we manage distribution across the system and support changing requirements for LFD and PCR tests, and delivery capacity was reduced over Christmas and the bank holiday.
‘Rapid tests are available to order directly to people’s homes via gov.uk and availability is refreshed regularly throughout the day.
‘We encourage people to re-visit the site every few hours if they are unable to order tests as more will become available – and to please ensure they are making use of any tests they already have at home before ordering or collecting more.’
It comes as Boris Johnson is due to review data that will illustrate the impact Christmas festivities have had on the number of Covid cases.
The Prime Minister is expected to use the data to determine whether additional measures need to be brought in to combat the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
Last week, a public health expert warned people to use tests ‘responsibly’ amid the shortage.
Azeem Majeed, head of primary care and public health at Imperial College London, said on Twitter: ‘I am hearing about people carrying out multiple lateral flow tests in a single day.
‘The tests are in short supply in many parts of England and this kind of practice will exacerbate supply problems, including for key workers such as NHS staff. Please use the tests responsibly.’
This is at least the sixth time lateral flow tests have been unavailable for delivery while the government urges people to collect tests from their local pharmacies.
