Where to buy lateral flow coronavirus tests in UK as free NHS testing ends

Testing for coronavirus is no longer free for all after the government decided to scrap free NHS testing of Covid-19 at the start of April. It means the majority of Britons will have to fork out for their own lateral flow tests under the new plans, unless they meet certain criteria.

Hospital patients, people who are at risk of severe Covid-19 who have symptoms, workers or residents of high-risk settings who have symptoms, and some NHS and social care staff will continue to get free tests in England, you can check if your eligible for free testing here. Millions of others will need to shop on the high street for the best prices after Health Secretary Sajid Javid said people must "learn to live with Covid."

The law for people to take a lateral flow test if they have coronavirus symptoms is no longer in play but some employers may want to bring in testing as part of their workplace policies. The government is also now urging people in England who have a cough or cold to "stay home and avoid contact with other people" under new coronavirus guidance.

If you need to buy a lateral flow test or a PCR test for travel or other purposes, the Government has an approved list of providers. The Government are also telling Brits not to report their results for tests they have paid for. According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), self-testing kits should have a CE, CE UKNI or UKCA mark and a four-digit identifier number on the packaging if its an approved provider.

Pharmacies

Most major UK pharmacies are offering lateral flow tests both online and in-store and can be grabbed for as low as £1.75. Lloyds Pharmacy offers lateral flow tests kits in various pack sizes, including single tests for just £1.89