Written question WQ85011
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
Will the Minister consider enabling older people to access lateral flow testing kits from pharmacies rather than having to order online or over the phone?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
The UK Government has closed its PCR testing infrastructure across the UK. This means PCR tests are no longer routinely available for people in Wales with coronavirus symptoms.
Since 1 April, in line with our Test Trace Protect transition plan, we have replaced PCR tests with access to free lateral flow tests for people if they have coronavirus symptoms. People can order free lateral flow tests online or by calling 119.
We have ceased the pharmacy collect service because we do not want to encourage symptomatic people to visit pharmacies to collect lateral flow tests.
If older people have particular difficulties ordering online or by phone it would be helpful to provide details to Covid19.CommunityTesting@gov.wales