ABDO has welcomed the government’s announcement that lateral flow tests (LFTs) will continue to be provided free of charge to patient-facing NHS staff.
Universal free Covid-19 testing ends tomorrow (1 April). However, people at risk of serious illness from Covid-19, and eligible for treatments, will continue to get free tests to use if they develop symptoms, along with NHS and adult social care staff and those in other high-risk settings.
“We welcome continuation of the support for lateral flow testing for our members,” said ABDO president, Jo Holmes. “This will help keep them and their patients as safe as possible, whilst we continue to deliver eye health care services in line with continued infection prevention and control, and personal protective equipment use.”
From 1 April, updated guidance will advise people with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including Covid-19, and a high temperature or who feel unwell, to try stay at home and avoid contact with other people, until they feel well enough to resume normal activities and they no longer have a high temperature. Until 1 April individuals should continue to follow the current guidance.
From 1 April, anyone with a positive Covid-19 test result will be advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, which is when they are most infectious.
Learn more about the changes to Covid-19 testing from 1 April 2022 here.