The UK is experiencing a sharp rise in positive cases of Covid-19. The most recent stats published for the week ending September 21 show 6,831 people had tested positive for the virus that week - up from 3,533 for the week ending August 21, 2022, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
Dr Mary Ramsay, director of the public health programmes at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said it was "clear now that we are seeing an increase" in levels of Covid-19, though deputy director for the Covid-19 infection survey at the ONS, Sarah Crofts, says it is currently "too early" to identify whether we are in the start of a new wave of the virus.
Nevertheless, as rates have picked back up again, more and more people are looking to purchase lateral flow tests so they can isolate themselves if positive and help keep loved ones, especially those who are vulnerable, safe this autumn.
Read more: All you need to know about the new Covid wave - symptoms, face mask advice and flu risk
Professor Azeem Majeed of Imperial College told the Mirror that the UK is "likely" to see further waves of coronavirus over the colder months. "We have seen dropping rates during August but over the last week there are some signs that rates are picking up again," he said. “Obviously in autumn and winter, people spend more time indoors as the weather cools down. We usually find that outbreaks of viral infections are more common."
In addition to this, Professor Majeed said flu rates "will probably be a lot higher" this year due to a lack of immunity and the end of Covid restrictions. "Because flu rates have been low in recent years, this means that people will have less immunity from a previous infection," he said. "The end of Covid-19 control measures - such as face masks and social distancing - combined with the return of normal social activities also increase the likelihood of a large flu outbreak this winter."
How can I get free lateral flow tests?
You might be eligible for a free pack of lateral flow tests if a doctor or specialist has informed you that you're eligible for new Covid-19 treatments, or if your GP or healthcare professional has asked you to take a test, the Welsh Government says.
If you're eligible for free tests, anyone in your household can use the tests you order - but if you also want to order for someone (who's eligible for free lateral flow tests) that lives in a different address to you, you should order theirs separately from yours.
You can check if you're eligible and order your free rapid lateral flow tests via the UK Government website here.
If you are not eligible for free tests, you shouldn't call 999, NHS 111 or the Covid helpline 119 to ask for free tests - you won't be able to get them this way. However, if you're worried about symptoms you're experiencing, you should contact 111 or speak to your GP, and in an emergency you should always dial 999.
Where can I buy lateral flow tests?
A statement on the Welsh Government website explains: "Retailers such as high street pharmacies sell LFTs [lateral flow tests] in store and online. Not all of them offer the same testing services. Before you look for a private provider, you’ll need to think about what testing service you need. For example, if you are seeking a pre-departure travel test (‘fit to fly’), the testing requirements are set by the country you are travelling to, and sometimes the airline you’re flying with."
UK residents can can find providers of lateral flow tests that have "self-declared against the government's minimum standards" on a list on the UK government website. But consumers should check the full details of each individual testing service, if they need their test for a specific reason such as for flying abroad. More on this here.
On the high street, you can buy a lateral flow test at most pharmacies including Boots, Superdrug, Lloyds Pharmacy and Well Pharmacy stores, and some supermarkets. Here's what the main pharmacies and supermarkets sell:
Boots
Boots the chemist is selling Flowflex Antigen Rapid Testing Self-Testing Kits for £3.95 for a two-pack, £7.90 for a four-pack, £9.80 for a five-pack and £49 for a 25-pack. For more on these tests, and to order them, visit the Boots website here. Please note, these tests will not provide you with a Covid certificate and your results will not be verified. Due to this, these tests are not suitable for travel.
Other tests available include the Verified Lateral Flow Testing Service from £14.99 and the At-home Covid-19 PCR Testing Kit, which is suitable for pre-travel and provides a certificate for negative results, for £62.
B&M
B&M stores are now selling Flowflex Covid-19 rapid antigen lateral flow testing kits for £1.99 each (for a singular test). These can be purchased in-store only and may not be available at every store.
Lloyds Pharmacy
Lloyds Pharmacy sells "Step Ahead" brand Covid tests and Flowflex tests as well. It's £1.89 for one Step Ahead Covid-19 test, £9 for five tests or £17 for 10 tests. A singular Flowflex Antigen Rapid Testing Self-Testing Kit is £2.29, a pack of two is £4.56, and a pack of four is £9.09.
The Pharmacy also sells MyHealthChecked fit to fly tests for £64.99 and MyHealthChecked day two and day eight PCR swab test kits for £126. For more details on these test kits, and to order them, visit the Lloyds Pharmacy website here.
Morrisons
You can order one Step Ahead Deep Blue Covid-19 antigen testing kit for £1.99 from Morrisons online here. This appears to be the only test the supermarket sells.
Sainsburys
Sainsbury's sells Flowflex antigen rapid self-testing kits for £9.50 for a pack of five. You can order them online here
Superdrug
Superdrug sells Flowflex lateral flow tests. It's £1.95 for one, £5.79 for a pack of three or £11.50 for a pack of six, you can buy these online here. You can also buy a Medicspot lateral flow fit to fly travel test for £14.99 or a Chronomics Covid-19 PCR test for £49.50 online.
Tesco
On the Tesco supermarket website, you can order a Rapid Self Test Kit from the EverythingGenetic brand for £2, or you can order a pack of five for £9.50. To order these, go here.
Well Pharmacy
You can order at-home test kits online from Well Pharmacy. A pre-departure PCR test, suitable for fit to travel certification, is £50, or it's £20 if you want a rapid lateral flow test kit for fit to fly. You can buy these online here
You can also make an appointment for an in-pharmacy Covid test - but these are for PCR tests not lateral flow tests - for £99. To make an appointment, go here
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