All those who cannot work from home are being encouraged to access lateral flow self-test kits as they are rolled out across Wales.

 

 

The rapid coronavirus testing kits for people who are not displaying symptoms of the virus will be available to collect from local test sites across North Wales from Friday (16 April) this week.

The Welsh Government is also looking at other collection venues for test kits to be made available, as well as how they can be delivered to people’s homes.

The tests are easy to use and can give results in 30 minutes. It is hoped that improving their availability will make regular asymptomatic testing for coronavirus more convenient and accessible for people not covered under existing schemes at workplaces, childcare settings, schools, colleges and universities.

As many as 1 in 3 people may have COVID-19 without displaying symptoms which means asymptomatic testing is an important means to keep people safe as restrictions are gradually eased.

It’s important that even those who’ve had the vaccine take use the tests twice a week as they could still carry the virus and pass it on to others.

The twice-weekly rapid testing offer

  • People who can’t work from home and their households will be offered free regular asymptomatic tests from Friday 16th April.
  • Regular asymptomatic testing is currently offered to the following groups and they should continue to access their tests as they do now:
  • NHS and social care workers
  • Teachers and childcare providers
  • Learners from years 7 and above including university students
  • Workplaces with 10 or more employees registered under the workplace testing programme

How to access twice-weekly testing in North Wales

There will be a phased introduction of different options for collecting rapid tests. From 16 April, people who can’t work from home and their households can collect tests from the following local testing sites:

  • Bangor, Dean Street Car Park (LL57 1UP)
  • Rhyl, Quay Street Carpark (LL18 1NS)
  • Wrexham, Memorial Hall (LL12 7AG)
  • Connah’s Quay, Civic Hall (CH5 4HA)

People can collect the rapid tests from these sites seven days a week between 8am and 1pm. No appointment is needed. They will then need to take the test home to use it.

The sites will then be deep cleaned and reopen as symptomatic testing sites between 2pm and 8pm each day.

Each person will routinely be able to collect two packs of seven LFD self-test kits for home use. It is recommended that tests are undertaken twice a week with the results recorded on the UK Government portal.

About the rapid tests

The tests are easy to use and can give results in 30 minutes. It’s recommended the tests are done in the morning and 3-4 days apart. Read the step-by-step guide for COVID-19 self-testing before you start the test.

If there is a positive lateral flow test result the person should self-isolate immediately and book a COVID test (PCR test) within 24 hours by calling 119, online or via the NHS COVID-19 app.

If negative then another test should be taken 3-4 days later. However if coronavirus symptoms develop in that time a COVID test should be booked.

All tests results – negative and positive – need to be recorded online here: https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result

More information about lateral flow tests can be found on the Welsh Government website.