Free lateral flow testing ends in England from April 1 as the shift moves to 'living with Covid' strategy.
It means most people will no longer be able to get free lateral flow or PCR tests from the Government in England. But testing will continue for staff in social care settings like hospitals and care homes.
Those visiting people in care homes will want to take care over Covid and protect their loved ones and fellow residents. But if you want a test before you go and visit somebody in a care home, you will likely have to fork out for one yourself.
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The tests will continue to be available to order from pharmacies like Boots. Visitors to care homes and hospitals should continue to wear masks.
Do I need to take a Covid-19 test to visit a hospital or care home after April 1?
No, in England, from Friday April 1, a negative coronavirus test is not required for visiting somebody in a care home or hospital as a friend or relative. But those working with care home residents may still be tested.
The Department for Health and Social Care says: "Most visitors to adult social care settings, the NHS, hospices, prisons, or places of detention will no longer require a test.
"Tests will continue to be provided to a small number of visitors to care homes and hospices who will be providing personal care."
The DHSC adds that those who want to take tests can order them from supermarkets and pharmacies.
What if I have symptoms, can I visit a care home or hospital if I take a Covid-19 test?
If you have symptoms or any transmissible virus, you should stay away from care homes, even after the shift to "living with Covid" from Friday April 1.
Even if you test negative for Covid-19, you should stay home if you have any symptoms.
The DHSC says: "Visitors should not enter the care home if they are feeling unwell, even if they have tested negative from Covid-19 and are fully vaccinated and have received their booster. Transmissible viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus and norovirus can be just as dangerous to care home residents as Covid-19. If visitors have any symptoms that suggest other transmissible viruses and infections, such as cough, high temperature, diarrhoea or vomiting, they should avoid the care home until at least five days after they feel better."
People with symptoms will only be allowed to visit friends or relatives in care homes under "exceptional circumstances" such as end of life visits and will have to discuss it with the care home or hospital.
Will hospital and care home staff and residents still get tested for Covid?
Yes, asymptomatic testing will continue for staff in care homes and other "high risk settings" during "periods of high prevalence", says the Government. That means care home staff will get routinely tested for Covid-19 when rates are high.
Staff and residents will also be tested if they develop symptoms.
Who will continue to get free Covid tests?
People who work in high-risk environments, like care homes, hospitals and prisons, will still be tested for Covid if they have symptoms, as will care, home residents,
Asymptomatic testing will also continue for patient-facing staff in settings like care homes, hospitals and prisons when Covid rates are high.
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