COVID Testing Near Me: What To Do When Free Lateral Flow Tests Come To An End
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is attempting a “living with COVID” plan. The good news? A significantly reduced number of restrictions. The bad news? No more free NHS lateral flow tests.
But let’s talk more about it.
What’s happening?
Let’s just get this straight: you can still get a free NHS lateral flow test until the 1st of April 2022.
However, after that, Boris Johnson’s new course of action in the face of the pandemic begins.
Living with COVID—explained
As the Prime Minister declared recently, COVID isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon, so people should start thinking about moving on with their lives in spite of COVID still being around.
The UK's new plan changes a very important element: restrictions. It started on February 24, and new changes are due starting April 1st.
According to Boris Johnson’s recent statement:
People that test positive for COVID-19 will no longer be required by law to self-isolate for a number of days.
Employees are no longer required to tell their boss if they need self-isolation.
The contact tracing situation will no longer be happening—if you have been in contact (close or not) with someone that turned out to be positive for COVID-19, you won’t have to self-isolate or test yourself daily.
Face masks won’t be necessary for public transport in London.
Those with low income will no longer receive the support of £500 for self-isolation.
Keep in mind that, even though restrictions like mandatory face masks or self-isolation have been lifted, the UK government still strongly encourages you to take all the necessary measures to protect those around you.
Moreover, be mindful of your daily surroundings and pay special attention to those who might be at a high risk of getting seriously sick because of COVID-19. If you feel strange, don’t hesitate to take rapid tests to check if you’re infectious.
Come April 1st, the government will lessen the domestic restrictions even more:
Employers will no longer have to think of COVID-19 as a special risk in employees’ safety,
COVID passports will only matter in international traveling.
Lastly, the NHS free lateral flow tests and PCR tests will no longer be free for the majority of people.
Travel plans? Find affordable PCR and lateral flow tests
PCR tests for travel are still required in most countries, including the UK, especially if you’re unvaccinated. We have an article all about that, but bottom line is:
If you’re traveling from the UK to another country, you have to check that country’s rules to see what you need to do to be allowed into the country.
If you’re traveling to the UK from outside the Common Travel Area and you’re fully vaccinated, all you have to do is complete a passenger locator form. If you’re not vaccinated, you’ll have to take a PCR test before and after you arrive in the UK, as well as fill in your passenger locator form.
As for the lateral flow tests, the Prime Minister claimed that the lateral flow tests will only cost around £2-£5, but retailers like Boots declared that their lateral flow tests will cost more.
What does all of this mean for you?
It means that, if you need a lateral flow test or a PCR test for travel, you’ll have to find companies that, hopefully, will give you the best value for your money.
PExpo Diagnostic is one of those companies.
We’re big believers in providing affordable COVID testing options for everyone—while even keeping the comfort of being at home.
“In this clinic, the PCR test was cheaper than other clinics. The service was quick, very friendly, and, most important, flexible. I recommend it 100%” - Iulian Lungu
You can get a range of approved, valid COVID tests (rapid, antigen, PCR—you name it!) for traveling or not, at home or in-clinic. Talk about options, right? It’s a pleasure for us to make sure you can get the COVID test you want at an affordable price when you type “COVID testing near me” in Google Search.
Our mission, rooted deeply in our care for Brits, sets us apart from other providers because it translates into access for everyone to affordable COVID testing—PCR or lateral flow tests. We’re all in this together.
If you want to know more about your options, find them all on our website.