Our tests are still free, yes, and no I didn’t have to order them beforehand. I simply walked in (a branch of Boots) and asked if they had any, and they gave me a box of 7 LFT from a larger open box which looked like it had quite a few still left in it. 
No details taken or anything. I did notice that the LFT box had a large “Not For Resale” notice on it though… 
2 Likes
Easy-peasy … 
1 Like
It make you wonder if or when Sturgeon will change Scotland’s policy over the LTF …as it is she just hands the bill to Boris.
1 Like
I found this on Twitter
Oh don’t mention the Barnett Formula … otherwise I agree …it is a ‘wrongheaded move’.
I’d have imagined that part of getting back to normality would be to ensure decent availability of LTF’s for everyone so as to reassure people they can take a test, as and when, whilst going about their day to day lives more like they used to.
3 Likes
Absolutely agree, Morty. People would be more confident if they could get tested when they needed to, rather than have to decide between getting a test or getting their tea!
4 Likes
You know what will be happening next, some people after making some quick dosh will be acquiring dubious free test boxes, and flogging them for a fiver!
4 Likes
I think it will be a disgrace if it happens, testing is the best way to make sure your not infecting everyone, especially the vulnerable.
I’ve got a box and a couple of odd ones so I won’t try to get more at the moment, that will create a shortage.
And I suppose I’ll pay for them if I have to.
But a lot of people won’t be able to afford to, or won’t want to and that will lead to more spreading.
I think that’s what the Government wants, for us all to get it now to help the economy get back on track quicker and devil take the weak and vulnerable who die.
2 Likes
Very true, how long before they pop up on EBay?
Let him scrap them. I’d be the first not to bother with them.
I believe they’re totally unnecessary now that Covid has morphed into the common cold.
It has been used for a political tool for long enough now.
Masks are similarly unnecessary. I now have six of varying ages and I’m sure that none of them actually serve any practical purpose any more, other than to comply with the notices on some shop doorways demanding that they are worn.
1 Like
Yes, and how many will give fake results I wonder.
It could open up a whole new enterprise for the unscrupulous.
2 Likes
Lateral Flow test do not indicate a positive result for three days following infection and the symptoms to appear.
1 Like
I wish someone would invent one that worked on nasal smears only - I don’t like tickling my tonsils!
You can’t get them for love nor money here, when they arrive at the chemist or supermarket they are snapped up, The governments make up rules before ensuring supply.
They are not free here anyway (unless you are a close contact) and some chemists are price gouging with tests that cost $15 to $20 being sold for $24/25.
There are supposed to be millions arriving in the country later in the month. I suspect that they will eventually end up like Hand Sanitiser, you can’t move for the damn stuff but at the moment they are very hard to get.
Ironically there is a firm in Queensland that makes them by the tonne but they are all exported to the USA and the UK because they have not been approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Is the title of this thread still valid? I’m reading contrary accounts in multiple headlines. The title is causing some people some concern, so maybe it could be amended if it has changed.
Covid: Boris Johnson denies free lateral flow tests will be phased out in coming weeks
I think you’re right - BJ always goes for the least action/highest risk option … 
1 Like
Note the quotation marks, it might or might not be true but it is factual as a quote. Why do you want to keep changing things?